How the PSAT Can Unlock SAT/ACT Success

For many high school juniors, SAT and ACT prep can feel like just one more item on an already overwhelming to-do list. Between maintaining grades, participating in extracurricular activities, and beginning the college search, it's easy to see why preparing for these important tests can be daunting. Amidst all this, the PSAT often gets overlooked, sometimes dismissed as just another standardized test that doesn’t really count for much.

But before you write off the PSAT, consider this: with a bit of intentionality, it can be the perfect entry point into a test prep plan that sets you up for long-term success on the SAT or ACT.

Why Care About the PSAT?

While the PSAT doesn’t directly influence college admissions, it can play a crucial role in helping students prepare for the SAT or ACT. Think of the PSAT as a low-pressure introduction to the world of higher-stakes college admissions testing. It’s an opportunity to learn how to approach these tests without the added stress of scores appearing on college applications. In fact, the PSAT can serve as a valuable diagnostic tool, offering insights into your strengths and areas for improvement, and laying the groundwork for a successful SAT or ACT preparation journey.

For Juniors at the top of the score distribution, the PSAT is also an opportunity to qualify for National Merit. Once qualified, National Merit Semifinalists are eligible to apply for Finalist status, which can lead to merit scholarships for college!

What Can Students Learn from the PSAT?

1. Understanding Digital Test-Taking
   As more standardized tests shift to digital formats, the PSAT offers a first-hand experience in navigating this new landscape. Familiarizing yourself with the digital format early on—as well as available tools such as the highlighter, answer eliminator, and Desmos—can make a significant difference when it's time to take the SAT, which is now a digital test.
2. Getting a Preview of SAT Question Types and Structure
   The PSAT mirrors the SAT in terms of question types and test organization. By taking the PSAT, students can get a sense of what to expect on the SAT, reducing the element of surprise, building confidence in their test-taking abilities, and identifying areas to focus on in further test prep.
3. Establishing a Baseline Score
   One of the most valuable aspects of the PSAT is that it provides a baseline score. This score can help you determine how much preparation is needed to achieve your target SAT or ACT score. Understanding where you stand early on allows you to create a tailored study plan that addresses your specific needs.

Utilize the PSAT to Solidify Your Test Prep Plan

1. Determine When to Start SAT or ACT Prep
   Your PSAT results can help you decide the best time to begin intensive test prep. If your scores indicate that you’re close to your goal, it might make sense to jump into preparation immediately. On the other hand, if your scores show room for improvement, it might be wise to focus on completing more coursework, particularly in math, before diving into test prep.
2. Build Momentum Early
   Starting your test prep shortly after receiving your PSAT scores means you won’t be starting from scratch. You’ll already have a sense of the test format and your strengths and weaknesses. This can give you a significant advantage, allowing you to hit the ground running when it’s time to start preparing for the SAT or ACT.
3. Target Challenge Areas and Fine-Tune Strategies
   Once you have your PSAT results, you can work with a tutor to focus on areas that need improvement. This targeted approach not only helps in raising your scores but also in developing test-taking strategies that can lead to success on the SAT or ACT. The earlier you start refining these strategies, the more natural and effective they’ll become when it matters most.

Final thoughts

While the PSAT might seem like just another test, it’s actually a powerful tool in your test prep arsenal. By treating it as a stepping stone rather than an afterthought, you can set yourself up for success on the SAT or ACT and make the most of your journey to college admission.