As juniors gear up to take the PSAT, I thought I would share a few tips with y’all that really helped me to raise my scores.
- Start studying yesterday. Seriously. It is never too early to begin preparing for standardized tests. With just three weeks left, you need to get moving.
- Eat something. Don’t ever go into a test on an empty stomach. Being hungry is a distraction, and it will be much more difficult to focus. Eating fruit or dark chocolate will also help with alertness.
- Be comfortable with your calculator. When you’re studying for the math section, use the same calculator you plan on using on test day.
- Pick up a book. Reading is the best way to expand your vocabulary, which will be tested in the Reading section.
- Get familiar with the test. Learn how the sections are set up and how many problems are in each section. The more familiar you are with the test, the more comfortable you will be for the real thing.
- Use dull pencils. While I do understand the excitement of having multiple perfectly sharpened pencils on your desk, dull pencils will allow you to fill in the bubbles faster, saving time.
- If you know one of the choices is wrong, cross it out. This trick will help you visualize the answer choices that remain and will keep you from making careless mistakes.
- Princeton Review all the way. If you want to get serious about preparing for the PSAT, or any other test, I highly recommend the Princeton Review prep books.
- Pace yourself. The PSAT is designed to trick you, so take your time to avoid careless errors.
- Go to sleep. It is amazing what a difference an extra hour or two will make in how you feel the next day. The night before the test, log out of Facebook and get some rest.