From the desk of Brian Nelson, Academic Dean:

With the PSAT one month away, test preparation is a timely topic.  Preparing for the PSAT can be an overwhelming process, but there are some simple things that students can do to be ready for the test and do their best.

1. Understand the test. You have access to full-length PSAT practice tests on the PSAT website in order to familiarize yourself with the test structure, timing limitations, and section-specific directions.  Understanding the rules of the game before playing is the only way to perform to the best of your ability.
2. Take a practice test. Yes, I am recommending to actually take a test in your free time.  Think of this as a run-through for a performance.  Ironing out the wrinkles and fully understanding the process and instructions before test day will save you major time and help you gain points.
3. Review you math facts. Remember your lower school teachers trying to convince you that it was important to be able to do 100 math fact problems in 5 minutes?  Well, they were right; this skill is important.  Don’t waste valuable time on test day using a calculator to perform simple calculations.
4. Firm up your grammar.  After taking the practice test, hone in on the grammar-related questions that you did not answer correctly.  By correcting your areas of weakness in grammar, you can snag easy points on test day.
5. While I know you already read for your classes, regular reading is one of the secrets to scoring big on the PSAT.  Focus on historical texts, famous speeches, and editorial or opinion pieces.  Strive to understand what is being said and how it is being supported by the author.
6. Get rest and eat breakfast. One week out, begin easing yourself into a lifestyle of adequate rest and nutrition.  Shoot to get 7-8 hours the night before the test and eat a healthy breakfast to fuel your brain and sustain energy through the entire PSAT.
7. Approach the test strategically. Taking a test is like winning a game.  Don’t fall into traps, get hung up on one question, or give up before the end.  Begin a section of the test by completing all the easy questions and skipping all the time-consuming or horribly difficult questions.  As you are working through problems, eliminate obvious wrong answers before you select your final answer.  Finally, before time is called work back through as many skipped problems that you can and mark the rest with the same guessed answer choice (marking them all B, for example).

Standardized tests like the PSAT can incite anxiety; however, planning and preparing for the experience can lower stress and raise scores!