1 PSATs and You ByClarianneMoscoso By Clarianne Moscoso

What are the PSATs?  PSATs are a multiple choice test taken by freshman, sophomore, juniors, and other younger student who would like to practice for the SATs. Even though though it’s not a criterion for college admission, it’s a good practice test for the SAT.  Based on a recent College Board report, students who take the PSAT score higher points than students who didn’t take the PSAT n the SAT.  It is also a qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship, a scholarship for college, plus Letters of Commendation.

When and Where are the PSATs taken?  The PSATs are given to most student in high schools, but if your high school doesn’t give it, you can sign up on the internet to receive it in a location near you.  The PSAT takes 2 hours and 10 minutes, and it is taken mostly on October.  For the year 2009, it will be taken on Wednesday October 14 and on Saturday, October 17.

What does the PSATs consist of?   This test consists of 3 sections:  Critical Reading; 50 minute section.  Math; 50 minute section.  Writing; 30 minute section.  The order of the section are unknown to the taker (you).

What’s in the Math Section?  In this 50 minute section, there are multiple choice questions and grid-in question.  Multiple choice (28 questions): you’ll be given five answers from which you will have to choose the best one.  Grid-in questions( 10 questions): rather than choosing the answer, you have to work with the problem and write the answer.  This section tests you ability to understand: geometry, Algebra I-II, and some higher level math problems.

What’s in the Critical Writing Section?  In this 50 minute-section, there are multiple choice questions, with questions of:  improving Sentences(20 sentences)- based on single sentences that are on a variety of topics.  Improving Paragraphs (5 paragraphs)- focus on testing your writing skills and not your reading skills.  Identifying Sentence Error ( 14 sentences)- be able to recognize misuses in: grammar, word usage, word choice, and idiom.  This section tests your ability to express ideas effectively in standard written English, recognize faults in usage and structure, and use of language with relations to its meaning.

7 What’s in the Critical thinking section?  In this 30-minute section, there are 2 types of multiple choice questions :  Sentence Completions (8 questions)- a sentence with one or two blanks that are fill-in with the most the suitable word.  Reading Comprehension (12 questions)- questions of the overall tone and content of the passage, the details used, and the author’s overall meaning.  This section test’s you ability in vocabulary, reasoning and reading. 7

8 What are some strategies for the PSAT?  Just because the test doesn’t count toward college admissions it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t study, you should always be prepared and know some strategies.  process of elimination- you should know that just by eliminating the questions that you believe to be incorrect, your chances of guessing correctly increases.  Ball parking- On many math questions you can estimate the answer before solving, ad this helps you avoid mistakes and make a better guess even when you don’t know the problem. 8

9 What are some strategies for the PSAts? (continuation)  Taking bite-sized pieces- instead of reading a questions with a superfluous information, it’s best to break up the long wordy problem into a few manageable ones.  Pacing- it is best to slow down and do the problems slowly, rather than rushing thought the test and making countless errors. It is proven that if you only do 75% of the problems, you’ll get a higher score than if you do the entire test and answer about half correctly. 9

10 Where can i prepare Myself for the PSATs?  There are many websites that can help you practice and review for the PSATs in all 3 sections.  Princeton Review ( princetonreview.com)- they accommodate students with a variety of services: classroom courses, online and school based courses, one-on-one small group tutoring, software, books, handhelds, and podcasts.  Test Preparation (onlinetestprep.com)- provides you with the most comprehensive and usable test preparation guide and material, they try to help you enjoy what you learn. 10

11 Where can i prepare Myself for the PSATs? (Continuation)  College Board (collegeboard.com)- a not-for- profit membership, where they try to help students reach their full potential. They give reviews, daily questions, and preparation techniques.  Kaplan (kaplan.com)- They give commitment to each student, where they give academic advising, tutoring, leadership development, career counseling, and other resources.  Barron’s Test Prep (barronstestprep.com)- they teach you what you should and shouldn't do during the test, essential test taking tactics, problem solving hints and strategies, and crucial vocabulary definitions. 11