PSAT: Expert Guides and Resources

Every correct answer you bubble on your PSAT/NMSQT earns exactly one point, whether the question is super easy or horrendously hard. Your goal is to harvest the maximum number of points from a large field of questions — within the time limit! To do so, you need a strategy. Check out these tips, which explain what to skip and what to answer.

Test-writers aren’t explorers; they don’t like moving into new territory. Sad for them (they’re probably bored!), but good for you, because after you know where test-writers are comfortable, you can focus on those areas. Here’s a map to the questions and topics likely to show up on the PSAT/NMSQT. Things to look for in writing questions: Verbs: tense, agreement (singular or plural forms) Pronouns: case (they or them or their and so forth), agreement (singular or plural), logical and clear meaning Sentences: completeness (no fragments or run-ons), parallel structure (elements with the same role in the sentence have the same grammatical identity), proper punctuation Descriptions: clear, close to the word described Comparisons: logical and complete Nonstandard expressions: no slang — proper English only!

To be successful on the PSAT/NMSQT — or any test — it’s essential to be prepared. That means studying the subject matter and doing practice problems, of course, but it also means arriving on test day ready to go, mentally and physically, with everything you need in hand. The exam is stressful enough; don’t compound your stress by being unprepared!

If the words on the PSAT/NMSQT were baseball players, a fair number of them would be in the Major Leagues, and a few would be all-stars. Your best bet is to accumulate (gather) and know the definitions of a large fund of PSAT/NMSQT favorites. No matter how many words you know, however, chances are you’ll still run into a few strangers when you take the test.

It’s too late to devise (plan, invent) a guessing strategy when you’re taking the PSAT/NMSQT. So do it now, get comfortable with it, and follow your strategy faithfully. Here are the essential facts: Many test-takers don’t have enough time to answer every question. The PSAT/NMSQT gives you one point for every correct answer.

Every sentence-completion question on the PSAT/NMSQT can be answered with the information that’s right there, in the sentence. Nevertheless, sometimes your experience in the real world gives you a little extra help. Suppose you see this sentence: Relying on _____ answers, Molly truthfully answered her mother’s questions about the broken window and yet escaped without punishment.

Most students in a traditional, four-year high school take the PSAT/NMSQT in their third year, as juniors. An increasing number of students opt for (choose) an earlier exam, as sophomores or even younger students. Taking the test early can be helpful because you’ll probably improve your scores on subsequent (later) exams.

Simply showing up on test day isn’t enough to do well on the PSAT/NMSQT. You also need to know what to expect. You also need to show up in good shape — calm and ready to take the exam. What to bring with you The PSAT/NMSQT rules are quite strict and don’t allow you to bring much with you to the test. You have to leave your book bag, snack, favorite stuffed animal, and tons of other things in your locker or in a designated area.

If you qualify for accommodations in your school exams, you may be eligible for accommodations on the PSAT/NMSQT also, such as large type or Braille exams, extended time (50 percent or 100 percent more than the usual amount), a reader for the questions or a writer to record your answers, extra breaks, and other adjustments that allow all students a fair shot at showing what they know.