With the PSAT happening Wednesday, Oct. 11 and Thursday, Oct. 12, there’s still time to squeeze in some last-minute studying to ace the nationally-instituted exam. Whether students have been prepped for months or crammed last minute, here are some helpful tips that will guarantee an increased score.
The first tip: studying up. For the PSAT, there is always a way to study. One way students can prepare is by checking out some PSAT or SAT books.
“Books like these have a lot of practice exam questions, and I usually complete those,” junior Patricia Thuang said. “It’s a matter of practicing these questions as many times as possible, like repetition. I just go over the ones I get wrong, review them and ask myself what I can do to improve. These books help me a lot for sure.”
Another way to study is by completing practice tests online. There’s many sources like Khan Academy and a new app students can use: Bluebook, which is also used for the exam.
“The app has some practice tests,” testing coordinator Holly Spinks said. “I know PSAT classes and AVID have already been practicing, but I have another 200 kids that aren’t in those classes, and I would just like for them to be aware.”
The second tip: prepping. The PSAT is going to be administered digitally for the 2023-2024 school year, so students who take the exam will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the SAT when they take it as seniors, as stated on the College Board website.
However, with the transition in mind, students need their ipads fully charged and ready to go, according to Spinks.
“The district will be utilizing the app, Bluebook, which students will need to download before the testing day,” Spinks said. “Students will have to download it from the self service application.”
The last tip: preparing for success. A lot of times, students will overlook their health when it comes to any type of academic work.
“[I recommend] getting enough sleep because it always will leave you feeling refreshed,” junior Isaac Flaeitas said.
Sleep is the number one way for academic performance to be increased as sleep improves focus and concentration, according to the CDC.
Lastly, making sure how to energize physically for the PSAT is important to be successful.
“Make sure to eat a good breakfast to give your brain some energy and just make sure to prepare and show up on time,” Spinks said.
