We are told at my D's very elite school to NOT prep. This is not a test meant to prep for they want a fair baseline.

I agree DC should be familiar with the format before the test. You won't get a real baseline if DC wastes test time figuring out how to complete the forms. Also agree if you want to allocate prep time, focus on SAT. Both are supposed to be hard!

Give it a rest! Let your kid perform and show his/her raw knowledge so you have a FAIR benchmark on his strengths and weaknesses. PLEASE!!!! This is NOT a test meant to prep for!

Anyone receive feedback from DC regarding the PSAT? It was administered this past Wendesday. Initial reports was that it was dificult.

2*2

It is a practice of a practice test. So, no.

Anonymous wrote:No prep, other than making sure they've seen a sample test so they're familiar with the format.

+1. This is the right answer. Taking the PSAT as a junior is of no diagnostic value whatsoever if the format, timing, etc. are a complete surprise. It's worth a half-hour of prep a few weeks beforehand, and then a half-hour confidence-builder the week before. Not more, but definitely not less.

No prep, other than making sure they've seen a sample test so they're familiar with the format.

It is a practice for a practice test for sophomores.

Taking the PSAT in 10th IS prep. No need to prep for prep.

Plus if you start with the prepping all you will do is increase anxiety.

Anonymous wrote:Definitely don't do prep for 10th. And prepping for 11th is only useful if DC is in the range for NMSF (c. 220 total). Otherwise I'd focus on SAT prep.

DEFINITELY agree with this suggesiton. NO ONE but the student knows the 10th grade PSAT score so there's absolutely NO risk to taking it cold. It will help you identify the weak areas (if any) to addres but ONLY if it makes sense to prep...which is driven by scores that can put you in the range of the national merit scholarship. There is much more important test prep t come down the road...SAT; ACT (if appropriate).

DO NOT RUSH THE TESTING PROCESS. It will come.

Definitely don't do prep for 10th. And prepping for 11th is only useful if DC is in the range for NMSF (c. 220 total). Otherwise I'd focus on SAT prep.

Strongly suggest taking 10th grade test cold to see a baseline. May need no further prep (one of my kids didn't) and will help target prep to one area (math or verbal) if scores very asymmetric. Really far too early as well to add pressure to the whole college application process. Gets bad enough soon enough. Summer before 11th grade plenty of time to do prep if needed. SAT does have writing that is completely different than PSAT that is the only difference

My oldest child is a rising HS sophomore. Her school administers the PSAT to 10th graders and 11h graders. I was thinking that she would take the PSAT this fall with no prep, to get a baseline score, and see where her areas of strength and weakness are. Then, prior to 11th grade, have her do PSAT prep to address weaknesses. Does this make sense? My understanding is that the 10th grade PSAT scores don't count for anything.... the 11th grade PSAT scores can lead to National Merit scholarships. So better to prepare next year for the PSAT & SAT. Also, does preparing for the SAT automatically prepare a student for the PSAT, or would a student take a separate prep course for each test? THANKS!