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.
The math portion is broken down into two parts: one you can use a calculator with and one without using a calculator. Other sections on the test will determine a student’s ability to edit the text and fix grammatical errors. The evidence-based reading has questions that cover world literature, social studies, history and science. While the writin These sections test more than just math and reading, they also test a student’s quantitative and qualitative problem-solving abilities. Students have to use analytical thinking to be successful. This is one of the main reasons hiring a tutor is a good idea.
Why You Should Invest Your Money In PSAT Tutoring Students learn a great deal of the information they need for the PSAT from school so it’s easy to assume they will naturally do well on it if they put forth a little extra study time. However, tutors work one-on-one with students in a variety of ways that can build up their test-taking abilities.
Critical Thinking Skills A PSAT tutor does more than just teach a student what answers are. They work with students to develop the skills they need so they can think through problems and find the solution. In other words, they work with students to develop the necessary critical thinking skills for success.
Improve Weaker Areas Many students oftentimes have certain areas they excel in and others they struggle with. The PSAT score is a cumulative score of both sections. So doing well in one, but not so well in another area may have a big impact on the overall score. The PSAT test requires students to know how to set up math problems, analyze reading passages and fix grammatical errors. This may not be easy for students who have academic areas they struggle in. By working with a tutor, the student will be able to get specialized assistance in the areas they struggle with. They will be able to develop strategies to help a student better understand the material and learn to work through it.
Why Hiring A Tutor Can Raise My Score We know that working with a tutor can help a student learn how to better understand material they struggle with. But how does a tutor do that and what else can they do to help a student receive a high score. First, they start by assessing where a student is. This may include taking some practice PSAT questions in both math and the evidence-based reading and writing. From there, the tutor will develop a plan to help a student work on targeted areas. The tutor is experienced to know what areas the student needs the most help in and how to help the student.
Tutors do this by: ● ● ●
Helping students practice math questions Developing skills for reading comprehension Working with students to develop test-taking skills
We’ve covered how tutors can help students learn the material, but it’s also important to point out that tutors can help students through test-taking anxiety that can strike. Even if a student knows and understands the material, the idea of taking a test, especially one that is so important, can be debilitating. Tutors work with students to develop the confidence they need to get through any anxiety that can strike. While it’s possible to study on your own for the PSAT, it’s more important to have a solid plan and guidance on how to excel at it.