I don't understand this thread. Why would you not prep for PSAT? How is it different than prepping for SAT/ACT or any other tests?

We are Caucasian. Our kids will prep for the PSAT because they do have NMSF potential.

Our public school offered an after-school PSAT bootcamp.

Adolescent kids prepping beats hanging out in jail or playing video games all day. Keep it up. Strong work.

I prepped when I was kid because my Asian best friend was doing it. Learned how to use my knowledge to take test. I was National Merit Scholar, my Asian friend wasn't.

Anonymous wrote:Really sucks for the kids who have to take it the first year. They will be flying blind.

So will everyone else, so, it will be a fairly even playing field.

My son is a junior doing prep for the SAT that will be given in November. His counselor suggested he do the prep and test now for a few reasons, one of which is that the prep would overlap with the PSAT and maximize his chance of getting NMSF. Another is that the PSAT would be like a dress rehearsal for the SAT a couple weeks later.

Anonymous wrote: Redesign of the SAT, yes. But has the College Board actually said that the PSAT will be similarly changed?

wouldn't make sense if they change sat and not psat, don't you think?

Redesign of the SAT, yes. But has the College Board actually said that the PSAT will be similarly changed?

Really sucks for the kids who have to take it the first year. They will be flying blind.

Anonymous wrote:What is changing with the SATs next fall?

https://www.collegeboard.org/delivering-opportunity/sat/redesign

What is changing with the SATs next fall?

Anonymous wrote:The PSAT is basic prep. Get SAT tutoring if you think he/she needs the help and you are willing to prioritize spending the time (and money). If your child does well, why bother taking time away from his/her schoolwork, sports, or other ECs? No college cares about the difference between 98th percentile and 99th percentile.

Yeah, true. But they do care of how many NMSFs they get and, at some schools, the silly title will get you a lot of money. Not at top tier schools though.

The PSAT is basic prep. Get SAT tutoring if you think he/she needs the help and you are willing to prioritize spending the time (and money). If your child does well, why bother taking time away from his/her schoolwork, sports, or other ECs? No college cares about the difference between 98th percentile and 99th percentile.

My three kids studied at home and all made NMSF/NMFs. I'm ok with "prepping" however it is defined... At the same time, I don't believe it's an indicator of future success either in college or in life. It's a necessary devil kids have to deal with, so you deal with it and move on.