Hey guys! I'm taking the PSAT this fall and was just wondering if there's a preferred calculator to use. What calculators do you recommend for the PSAT? Thanks in advance!
Hey there! To begin, it's important to know that the College Board allows both scientific and graphing calculators for the PSAT. They do not, however, allow calculators with computer algebra systems (CAS) or those with the ability to connect to the internet, such as smartphones or smartwatches.
As for recommendations, one popular choice among students is the TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator. It's powerful, user-friendly, and offers a large range of functions to help you throughout the math sections. Additionally, the color display and rechargeable battery are nice features to have.
Another option is the TI-83 Plus, a more affordable yet still powerful graphing calculator. While its display is not in color, it still offers useful functionalities and is widely accepted for standardized tests like the PSAT.
If you prefer a scientific calculator instead, the TI-36X Pro or Casio fx-115ES PLUS are excellent choices, both offering advanced functions and good user experience. They're less expensive than graphing calculators and may be more suitable for you if you just need it for the PSAT and won't be needing a graphing calculator later in your math classes.
Finally, remember that the PSAT is going digital this year, and you will have the option to use a built-in calculator within the test-taking software. If you don't already have a calculator you're comfortable with, this could be a convenient option - just make sure you practice with it, for example through College Board's Bluebook app.
In conclusion, the best calculator for you ultimately depends on your preferences, budget, and whether you think you'll need a graphing calculator in the future. Any of the calculators mentioned above (TI-84 Plus CE, TI-83 Plus, TI-36X Pro, Casio fx-115ES PLUS, or the PSAT's built-in calculator) would make good choices for the PSAT.
On a separate note, if you want guidance on how to prepare for the PSAT, I'd recommend checking out this blog post from CollegeVine, which contains a range of tips you might find handy: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-study-for-the-psat/. Good luck on your exam!
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