October 25th, 2023, 8:15 am. The day we all sat in stuffy classrooms to embark on the PSAT journey. While the atmosphere was essentially the same, the testing format certainly wasn’t. This year, College Board administered the first-ever digital PSAT tests. If you’re a paper-pencil gal like me, this was bad news. Yet, never fear! These easy tips may just help you ace your next exam!
While College Board is a headache to navigate, savvy users will find an abundance of helpful resources. Sample questions and a free practice test (complete with an answer/explanation guide) can all be found under the tab “Preparing for the PSAT/NMSQT”. In addition, Khan Academy allows you to customize your test preparation with targeted videos and questions. The best part? It’s 100% free!
Come the big day, there are a couple of things you should have a grip on. Let’s break it down between the Math and Reading/Writing sections, starting with Math. While this may come as a no-brainer, it’s vital to familiarize yourself with using a calculator! Unlike past paper tests, the new digital PSAT does not include a non-calculator section. In other words, you have access to your calculator on every math question! As the old saying goes, effective students work smarter, not harder. Before the exam, make sure you’re comfortable with performing the many functions to be tested. Personally, I find a physical hand-held calculator more user-friendly than the online calculator built into the testing system.
Moving on to the Reading/Writing section, one of the most beneficial testing strategies is to read with intentionality. Many students (of which I am a member), find it difficult to concentrate on reading long paragraphs, particularly on a screen. Thus, it may be useful to read through the exam questions before attempting to make sense of the passage before you, saving you valuable time.
Altogether, as every teacher and former test-taker will tell you, the single most effective way to master the PSATs is through practice. Whether it be weekly or once a month, everyone has a unique learning style and pace. Don’t fall into the trap of comparing yourself to other people’s progress. And if you’re still not convinced, take a look at the words of Diane Ravitch. “Sometimes, the most brilliant and intelligent minds do not shine in standardized tests because they do not have standardized minds.”
