Prepping for PSAT?

[Anonymous]

My 10th grader will be taking the psat in October. He’s never looked at a single prep test or anything. Should he be studying? Is it normal for kids to just go in blind the first time they take it?

[Anonymous]

I wondered this too. I found a practice test online so my kid can at least see what to expect.

But does the 10th grade PSAT count for anything?

[Anonymous]

I was surprised to learn it was happening so soon. No teachers have mentioned it in class and no counselors have reached out about how it fits in to college planning. Maybe an aps message went out at some point? Shouldn’t this be broadcast a little louder and with some sense of what the expectations are?

[Anonymous]

I didn't think the 10th grade PSAT counted for anything other than practice. It only really matters if the student is aiming for a National Merit acknowledgement, and only the 11th graders are considered for that. Other than that, the PSAT is just practice for the SAT.

[Anonymous]

I used a practice book I got. Didn't do much of it but got used tothe kinds of questions.
There probably are online ones. It does help.

[Anonymous]

The only reason to study for the 10th grade PSAT is if you are going to use it as a qualifying score for some thing else this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The only reason to study for the 10th grade PSAT is if you are going to use it as a qualifying score for some thing else this year.

Like what?

[Anonymous]

Great score gives you bragging rights with your friends I’m guessing

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The only reason to study for the 10th grade PSAT is if you are going to use it as a qualifying score for some thing else this year.

Like what?

Not exactly the same, but DD had her 10th grade PSAT listed on recruiting profile for her sport, along with her GPA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The only reason to study for the 10th grade PSAT is if you are going to use it as a qualifying score for some thing else this year.

Like what?

Not exactly the same, but DD had her 10th grade PSAT listed on recruiting profile for her sport, along with her GPA.

We have a strong test taker and are not taking the PSAT due to a desire to avoid college stress in 10th and enjoy just being in HS. Our school advised that 10th grade scores do not get reported anywhere. If, however, you host your own twitter or sports YouTube channel or whatever with all of your stats to get recruited, perhaps this is useful if you do well enough. Seems like sort of a very limited use IMO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The only reason to study for the 10th grade PSAT is if you are going to use it as a qualifying score for some thing else this year.

Like what?

Governors school application. Application for other highly selective summer programs. Standardized test scores can be submitted/are required to be submitted with some applications.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The only reason to study for the 10th grade PSAT is if you are going to use it as a qualifying score for some thing else this year.

Like what?

Not exactly the same, but DD had her 10th grade PSAT listed on recruiting profile for her sport, along with her GPA.

We have a strong test taker and are not taking the PSAT due to a desire to avoid college stress in 10th and enjoy just being in HS. Our school advised that 10th grade scores do not get reported anywhere. If, however, you host your own twitter or sports YouTube channel or whatever with all of your stats to get recruited, perhaps this is useful if you do well enough. Seems like sort of a very limited use IMO.

IMO this is a mistake unless your kid has a real reason to avoid taking the test. The practice helps. No need to stress about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The only reason to study for the 10th grade PSAT is if you are going to use it as a qualifying score for some thing else this year.

Like what?

Not exactly the same, but DD had her 10th grade PSAT listed on recruiting profile for her sport, along with her GPA.

We have a strong test taker and are not taking the PSAT due to a desire to avoid college stress in 10th and enjoy just being in HS. Our school advised that 10th grade scores do not get reported anywhere. If, however, you host your own twitter or sports YouTube channel or whatever with all of your stats to get recruited, perhaps this is useful if you do well enough. Seems like sort of a very limited use IMO.

IMO this is a mistake unless your kid has a real reason to avoid taking the test. The practice helps. No need to stress about it.

Thanks. Child will have full test prep and tutor for the actual SATs and is a strong test taker. We value freedom from the college stress which is coming. Cannot imagine telling my child to not stress when spending 3 or 4 hours trapped in some cafeteria taking a test on a fall weekend. Seems like there is no other possible reaction; I am not saying kids are freaking out but seriously what do you expect? Taking such exams is by definition a stressful experience. My child will have plenty of time to practice when it will matter. So, I guess I am telling you that I think you are the one making a mistake?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The only reason to study for the 10th grade PSAT is if you are going to use it as a qualifying score for some thing else this year.

Like what?

Not exactly the same, but DD had her 10th grade PSAT listed on recruiting profile for her sport, along with her GPA.

We have a strong test taker and are not taking the PSAT due to a desire to avoid college stress in 10th and enjoy just being in HS. Our school advised that 10th grade scores do not get reported anywhere. If, however, you host your own twitter or sports YouTube channel or whatever with all of your stats to get recruited, perhaps this is useful if you do well enough. Seems like sort of a very limited use IMO.

IMO this is a mistake unless your kid has a real reason to avoid taking the test. The practice helps. No need to stress about it.

Thanks. Child will have full test prep and tutor for the actual SATs and is a strong test taker. We value freedom from the college stress which is coming. Cannot imagine telling my child to not stress when spending 3 or 4 hours trapped in some cafeteria taking a test on a fall weekend. Seems like there is no other possible reaction; I am not saying kids are freaking out but seriously what do you expect? Taking such exams is by definition a stressful experience. My child will have plenty of time to practice when it will matter. So, I guess I am telling you that I think you are the one making a mistake?

Well, in APS, it’s not on a weekend. All 10th & 11th graders take it during the school day, unless you opt out.

[Anonymous]

Yeah - I thought all kids in 10th and 11th are expected to take the test that day. I think it would make my kid feel singled out / stressed to NOT take the test in that scenario.