Step by Step Guide to PSAT Prep

Step 1: Mark your calendar You don’t want to miss it! The main day for the PSAT in 2018 will be October 10, which is a Wednesday. Your school will set up the PSAT for you, so you don’t need to worry about signing up. Step 2: Learn the test format You don’t want to go in blind! You can find more details on the official College Board site, but the test is split into four sections: Reading, Writing and Language, Math No Calculator, and Math Calculator. The PSAT has the same basic structure as the SAT, but it’s a little shorter and does not have an essay. Step 3: Take a practice test You can sign up to take a test with Compass or find official College Board practice PSATs on their website. Make sure to take it in test-like settings, which means in an area you can focus, with your phone on silent, and without distractions. after scoring it, review your   mistakes and see if there are any patterns to them. Step 4: Get your materials You have lots of options! The College Board has some materials on their site, you could use a website like Khan Academy, and of course there are countless SAT prep books at your local bookstore and online. Compass students receive our own course books written by test experts. Step 5: Make a plan and get started! Set up your   schedule for studying. Everybody’s needs are different, but you should aim for a minimum of two days a week, a half hour each day. The first step of anything is always the hardest, so get it out of the way as soon as possible and the rest of them will seem a lot easier!