So, you’re a few weeks into your junior year of high school now. This year may prove to be one of the busiest years of your academic career. This year you should be scoping out colleges and preparing for the SAT. If you’re nervous about taking the SAT, one of the best ways to prepare for the test is to take the practice version that is offered – the PSAT.
The 2014 PSAT dates are Wednesday October 15th and Saturday October 18th, however your school or nearby schools may only be administering the test on one of these days. If you haven’t already registered for the test, meet with your guidance counselor to find out the exact date and location you should register for.
The test fee is typically $14, though there are waivers available if you are unable to afford the fee. You should also talk with your counselor about this when you look into registering.
Even though the PSAT is a practice exam, you should treat it like the real thing. If the test is being offered somewhere other than your school, scope out the test location ahead of time. Even if you think you’re familiar with the area, you don’t want to leave it to chance and get lost on the test day.
Attempt as many practice tests as you can under the same restrictions as you would be for the tests. That is, time yourself and do not use your notes to help you answer the questions. In doing this you will be able to accurately identify your strengths and weaknesses. This will come in handy when you are studying and preparing for the actual SAT.
There are plenty of books, web sites and other resources that can help prepare you for the PSAT. Tutors can also be a great advantage when preparing for an important test like the SAT or PSAT. Sites like www.collegeboard.org can also provide some insight into the types of questions that will be on the test.