The PSAT Test as a whole and especially the Math section is tough and students may find it difficult to crack it but with the right tips and strategies, you can succeed in the PSAT test with a good percentile. This blog will guide you with some tips and strategies to help you succeed in your PSAT.
First, let us answer the most preferred question what is PSAT? PSAT test is distinct from the examinations in your school days. Depending on the state you are in, you could win scholarship money if you are in the top 99% percentile of the PSAT/NMSQT test. This test makes you eligible for other corporate scholarships too, if you score well. This blog will guide you to the top tips & strategies for the PSAT Test.
Understand the PSAT Test Format
Understand the format in which the questions are introduced and how long is the PSAT. What is the PSAT out of? Preparing accordingly will assist you in your search for the college of your choice. The PSAT consists of four sections Reading, Writing, and Language and Math.
The PSAT Reading Section consists of:
- Passage reading
- Command of Evidence questions
- Informational graphics questions
The PSAT Writing Section consists of:
- Identifying grammatical and sentence errors
- Correcting sentences
- Correcting paragraphs
The PSAT Math Section consists of:
- Heart of Algebra
- Problem-Solving and Data analysis
- Passport to Advanced Math (not in PSAT 8/9)
- Additional Topics in Math
The average PSAT score is 1014 for juniors and 934 for sophomores. From these estimates, you can guess what is a good PSAT score required for qualifying for a scholarship. Scoring 75% or higher is a good PSAT score. You can see your score on the College Board PSAT account.
Top 5 Tips & Strategies for the PSAT Test
PSAT Tip 1: Sorting the Test
Approaching questions, not in sequential order appears counter-intuitive. You can achieve as much score as possible by following the below steps:
- Focus on the questions which are easy and less time-consuming.
- Reading and writing section- begin with the passage you find flexible and move towards the difficult ones.
- Work on the questions which are easy but time-consuming.
- Move on to the most difficult ones.
PSAT Tip 2: Learn the Elimination Technique
There is no penalty for an incorrect answer in the PSAT. If you know which option choices are definitely incorrect, you will surely increase the possibility of picking the correct answer. To reach the possible right choice, you may have to learn the elimination techniques:
- Making the best possible guess.
- Reading the options carefully.
- Finding options that seem false.
PSAT Tip 3: Take PSAT Practice Tests
Solve the PSAT Practice Test series and previous year’s questions. The PSAT Practice Test is the best reference available for PSAT preparation. Follow only trustworthy, high-quality sample questions. They are the best ones to track your progress. Solve as many as PSAT tests possible. This will help you to comprehend the type of questions in the final exam. Take the tests in the constraint environment along with setting timings and no distractions and examine whether you are achieving a good score.
PSAT Tip 4: Examine your Mistakes
Spend time deciding where your logic went wrong. Analyze the type of mistakes you are doing in every test series. In what type of questions you are getting stuck every time? Mark your mistakes and weak points. Try to rectify them or take help from an online tutor and try to fix them before the PSAT exam.
PSAT Tip 5: Read as much as Possible
Students should regularly grow and develop their reading skills to avoid difficulty with the reading, writing, and language section because this exam ultimately checks their understanding and knowledge of the English language. Bring this habit into your daily routine. Reading newspapers, magazines, books, and articles can intensify your understanding and retention ability.
These steps will surely help you to strengthen your preparation and help you analyze your strong and weak points. Now brush up on your skills and get ready for the exam. We wish you all the best!