Takeaways from How And Why To Perform Your Best on the PSAT
When a test that 'doesn't count' counts...
The PSAT in October of 11th grade may not influence college admissions decisions, but the test matters in more ways than you might think. Amy and Mike invited educator and author Brian Stewart to discuss how and why to perform your best on the PSAT.
Listen to the full episode HERE before or after you review the key takeaways, topic breakdowns, and questions answered from this episode.
Key Takeaways
The PSAT is crucial for National Merit Scholarship qualification and can lead to significant college scholarships
Familiarity with the Blue Book app and its tools (e.g. Desmos calculator, annotation features) is essential for success
Common mistakes include going on "autopilot" and not adjusting pacing between easier and harder test modules
Students aiming for National Merit should consider taking the SAT in Aug/Sept/Oct before the PSAT for optimal preparation
Amy and Mike are moderating an exciting free webinar this month: Scholarships & Majors: How College Major Clarity Unlocks More College Aid. Join us on September 30 at 7:30pm EDT to learn essential strategies from scholarship strategist Dave Peterson and master career coach Lisa Marker-Robbins PLUS one real scholarship example for each of the six most popular majors! Register here.
Topical Breakdown
Benefits of the PSAT
Close replica of SAT, excellent preparation for college admissions test
Pathway to National Merit Scholarship and associated institutional scholarships
Allows colleges to reach out to high-performing students through search service
Academic honor for <1% of students, providing credibility on college applications
Common PSAT Mistakes and Solutions
Unfamiliarity with Blue Book app: Practice with built-in tools like Desmos calculator and annotation features
Going on "autopilot": Fully read and understand each question before answering
Not adjusting for harder second modules: Be prepared to increase pace or strategically guess on later questions
Neglecting scratch paper: Encourage writing out work, especially for math problems
PSAT Preparation Strategies
Focus on reading/writing (2/3 of selection index) for National Merit aspirants
High scores should consider taking SAT in August, September, or October as practice before PSAT
Utilize expanded PSAT testing window (early Oct to late Oct) for additional prep time
Explore makeup options at other schools if unable to test on school's chosen date
PSAT vs. SAT vs. ACT Considerations
PSAT scores now available earlier, allowing for better SAT planning
More students focusing on SAT due to certainty and available practice materials
Easier to switch between tests than in past years due to converging formats
ACT changes (optional science) may impact test choice for some students
Next Steps
Download and familiarize yourself with the Blue Book app and its features
If aiming for National Merit, register for Aug/Sept/Oct SAT as PSAT practice
Focus on reading/writing skills (2/3 of selection index) for PSAT prep
Utilize official PSAT/SAT practice materials on Blue Book app
Q&A
PSAT Importance
Why is the PSAT important compared to the SAT or ACT?
The PSAT is a close replica of the SAT, helping prepare students for the real exam
The PSAT is the pathway to qualifying for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship
The PSAT is associated with many other scholarships, including full rides at some schools
The PSAT allows colleges to reach out to students through the search service
Achieving National Merit recognition is an academic honor earned by less than 1% of students
Who should care most about doing well on the PSAT?
Students aiming to do well on the SAT
Those hoping to qualify for the highly competitive National Merit Scholarship (only 0.5% of students)
Strong performers in reading and writing, as 2/3 of the PSAT selection index is based on these sections
PSAT Preparation
What are common mistakes students make with the PSAT?
Not familiarizing themselves with the Blue Book application used to administer the digital PSAT
Going on "autopilot" instead of fully understanding each question
Not adjusting their strategy and pacing between the easier Module 1 and harder Module 2
Not using scratch paper, especially for math problems
How can students avoid these mistakes?
Practice with the Blue Book app and utilize the built-in tools like the Desmos calculator and annotation feature
Use scratch paper for notes and calculations
Avoid jumping to conclusions and carefully read each question
Adjust their strategy for Module 2, potentially guessing on some questions to manage time
Should students prepare for both PSAT and SAT?
Yes, especially for potential National Merit Scholarship qualifiers
Consider taking the SAT in August, September, or October as practice before the PSAT
Don't wait for PSAT scores before planning SAT preparation
PSAT vs ACT
Is PSAT/SAT prep helpful for ACT?
The tests are converging in content and timing, making it easier to switch between them
More students are focusing on the SAT in 2025
There is more certainty and practice materials available for the SAT currently compared to the ACT