Taking the PSATs

The main point of the PSATS is to try for the national merit scholarship program. I don’t think colleges will pay too much attention you your score on these, they will probably focus more on the ACTs and the SATs. So my point is there is no need to stress too much. It gets you out of school and gives you a chance to earn a lot of money for college. A win, win situation.

So what does the PSATs test you on? There are two math sections, two reading sections, and a writing section. Overall I think the test is easier than the ACT and I have heard from friends that it was easier than the SAT as well. The vocabulary, however, seemed particularly more advanced than the rest of the test, so if you study, I recommend focusing on that. In the writing section they will mostly test you on grammar and punctuation.  Math is a lot of algebra and geometry, and reading is mostly comprehension.

What should you bring to the PSATs? You won’t need much just your ID, pencils, and a calculator. You will only get short breaks in between tests so there is not reason to bring anything else.

How much should you study? Of course I recommend studying the packet they give you if you have the time. I wish I would have studied a little more than I did, especially vocabulary and grammar, but it is not completely necessary. Most of the test is over things that I have learned a long time ago. I didn’t study at all and I survived. There is no reason to stress over this or stay up way too studying. You will probably do just fine.

What are your chances of getting the scholarship? Well, the top three to five percent of the people in your state will get the scholarship. If you do well in normal standardized testing then I think you should give the PSATs a shot. However it is going to be highly selective and difficult to achieve. But, it would be worth the twenty bucks if you do get the national merit scholarship.

How long do the PSATs take? I was instructed to be at my testing facility by 7:45 and I was done by 11:00. So compared to the ACTs it is actually pretty short. It will get you out of your morning classes with some time left for lunch.

Word Count: 408