Should you study for the PSAT?

Hey everyone! I'm taking the PSAT soon and I'm not sure if I should be studying for it. Is it recommended to study for the PSAT or is it better to focus on just SAT prep? What are your thoughts and tips on this? Thanks!

While the PSAT is generally seen as a practice test for the SAT, it's still a good idea to study for it, especially if you're aiming for a strong score to become a National Merit Scholar. By doing well on the PSAT, you can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship program, which offers various scholarship opportunities based on your score. That being said, the PSAT and SAT are quite similar in terms of content and format, so by studying for one, you're indirectly preparing for the other.

To study for the PSAT, you can start by taking practice tests and understanding the structure of the test. This will give you a clear idea of the question types, time constraints, and pacing. After identifying your strengths and weaknesses, you can work on improving the areas you struggle in through targeted practice and reviewing concepts.

As for resources, the College Board's website offers free practice tests and question samples that accurately reflect the PSAT's content. Furthermore, the recently launched Bluebook™ app provides access to a digital PSAT preview and a full-length practice test, so you can familiarize yourself with the digital format.

In conclusion, it's a good idea to study for the PSAT, even if your main focus is the SAT. Since the two tests are closely related in content and structure, studying for the PSAT will also be beneficial for your SAT preparation. And don't forget the potential benefits of qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship program!