While the SAT is the more prominent test high schoolers take as they consider their post high school options, the PSAT should not be overlooked. The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) is usually taken by sophomores and juniors and prepares them for the SAT. If you are wondering what the difference is and why you should prepare for the PSAT, then read on. Here is some important information on the PSAT and why you should consider hiring a tutor, like one from Nova Test Prep, to prepare for this important test.
Importance of the PSAT Preparation is the key to success when it comes to the SAT. And the PSAT helps to prepare students for just that. But it’s important you don’t just jump in and take the PSAT without some prior planning. The PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, PSAT 11/NMSQ, PSAT 12 are important for a few reasons and timing is also important. Let’s first look at when students should consider taking the PSAT. Typically, the PSAT is taking in either the junior year or both the sophomore and junior years. Why? Well, when it is taken in the sophomore year, students will have time to work on their weaker areas to better succeed at the PSAT when taking it again in the junior year. The importance of taking the PSAT in the junior year is because this is the only year the PSAT will count for a student to have the chance at earning a National Merit Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship provides recognition as well as money for college. And part of the qualification for this is through the PSAT score. So the PSAT is important for these reasons: ● ●
It prepares students for the SAT, which is used for college admission decisions. When taken in the junior year, students have the chance at earning a National Merit Scholarship.
Now that we know why the PSAT is important, let’s look at what’s on the PSAT and some ways to succeed at it.
What The PSAT Consists Of The PSAT is a scaled-down version of the SAT so it gives students a first-hand chance of knowing how they are going to do on the SAT. It also gives students the opportunity to know what areas they need to study in to do better. The PSAT consists of two sections: math and evidence-based reading and writing. The PSAT doesn’t have the optional essay which is on the SAT.