We are prepping but our situation is unique. Our DC hasn't had a standardized test in years. We have no idea how DC will perform on a standardized test so want to know now, sophomore year, to get a handle on school placement. He has some learning issues - maybe. We're not sure, so this is a way to help learn. Second, we are seriously looking at some private boarding schools (son's request) and the first item they look at is the PSAT score. Those applications are due Feb. 8 if we go that far and really apply. Third, my parents were so poor they had no idea that the PSAT was the preliminary cut for National Merit so I just blew it off as "preliminary", filled in the dots and went on with my life. When the results came in I had no idea why one classmate went screaming out of the room that he was in the running for National Merit. I'd like to give son at least a crack at it since I didn't. Based upon later test scores and performance I probably could have made national merit if I had actually paid attention to the test, but when it is called "preliminary" well . . . I just filled in the dots. So don't get worked up about it. If you hear people are prepping for it they may have specific reasons like we do. We wouldn't be doing this if it were not for the interest in boarding schools or the question about how well DC can do on standardized testing.

Private boarding schools in USA (NE) look at SSAT.

I gather your situation is one of a kind/unique and understand why you need to know how DC will perform on standardized tests like PSAT but the rest of American families do not have this interest or need to know.

We are prepping but our situation is unique. Our DC hasn't had a standardized test in years. We have no idea how DC will perform on a standardized test so want to know now, sophomore year, to get a handle on school placement. He has some learning issues - maybe. We're not sure, so this is a way to help learn. Second, we are seriously looking at some private boarding schools (son's request) and the first item they look at is the PSAT score. Those applications are due Feb. 8 if we go that far and really apply. Third, my parents were so poor they had no idea that the PSAT was the preliminary cut for National Merit so I just blew it off as "preliminary", filled in the dots and went on with my life. When the results came in I had no idea why one classmate went screaming out of the room that he was in the running for National Merit. I'd like to give son at least a crack at it since I didn't. Based upon later test scores and performance I probably could have made national merit if I had actually paid attention to the test, but when it is called "preliminary" well . . . I just filled in the dots. So don't get worked up about it. If you hear people are prepping for it they may have specific reasons like we do. We wouldn't be doing this if it were not for the interest in boarding schools or the question about how well DC can do on standardized testing.

She didn't and frankly they really are not supposed to, my daughters private (very elite) school urged kids to not prepare for it, they wanted raw scores. Good nights rest and a great breakfast!

Anonymous wrote:Honestly I don't know a single person who prepped (but they could all be keeping it hush hush).

Almost private schools prep for the PSAT somehow. Many give the PSAT to students as sophomores. Individual students can do more. If your child scores close to cutoffs as a sophomore, it would be worth it to prep, I think. NMSFs can get A LOT of money at some schools.

If you plan to provide SAT prep for your DC you should start it BEFORE junior year to give your DC some prep before the PSAT. The PSAT is the first step to participate in the National Merit Scholarship Program, which is the single most important academic achievement for high school students.

Your aren't really prepping for the PSAT, but you are: a two for one!

Anonymous wrote:you really shouldn't be thinking about this if its a few years off. Kind of unhealthy.

In contrast to the NCRC and Beauvoir parents thinking about college placement?

you really shouldn't be thinking about this if its a few years off. Kind of unhealthy.

Mine did not prep specifically for the PSAT but did start SAT prep at the end of the summer before junior year so had done some SAT prep before PSATs. Also took a practice PSAT at the tutoring place a few weeks before the real PSAT.

Unless you think your DC will be a NMSF (based on 10th grade scores) there is no need to prep specifically for the PSAT. Mine is a Commended Scholar, which is the step below NMSF and I don't think that means a thing.

Honestly I don't know a single person who prepped (but they could all be keeping it hush hush).

My DC s still a few years off, but I wanted to make sure that I keep her on track. There were no prep courses when I took them. I assume that is no longer the case? How did your DC prep, and do you have any recommendations?

Thanks.