PSAT Preparation: Real Tips to Boost Your Score
If you’re looking at the PSAT as a stepping stone to the SAT or a chance to win a scholarship, you need a plan that actually works. Forget vague advice – here’s what you can do right now to get better scores without burning out.
Build a Simple Study Schedule
Start by figuring out how many weeks you have until the test date. Break that time into three phases: learning, practicing, and reviewing. In the first phase, spend 30‑45 minutes a day on one subject – math on Monday, reading on Tuesday, writing on Wednesday. Use official PSAT practice questions so you get used to the format. During the second phase, switch to full‑length practice tests every weekend. The last phase is all about fixing weak spots: look at the questions you missed, understand why you got them wrong, and redo similar problems.
Use Free, High‑Quality Resources
The College Board offers a free PSAT practice test that mirrors the real exam. Download the PDF, time yourself, and score it with the answer key. Khan Academy also has a PSAT‑specific section that ties directly to your practice test results, giving you targeted video lessons. For quick drills, try the Quizlet flashcard sets for vocabulary and math formulas – they’re easy to review on a phone during short breaks.
Don’t overlook the writing and language part. It’s mostly grammar and style, so a quick review of common rules (subject‑verb agreement, parallel structure, comma usage) can raise your score fast. Write one short paragraph every day, then check it with the free Grammarly browser tool to spot recurring mistakes.
When you take a full practice test, treat it like the real day: use a quiet room, keep the same breaks, and stick to the 2‑hour‑45‑minute limit. After the test, calculate your score using the College Board’s conversion tables – this tells you which sections need the most work.
Finally, keep your mindset positive. A few missed questions are normal; the goal is to learn from them. Celebrate small wins, like improving your math score by five points, and stay consistent. With a clear schedule, the right free tools, and focused review, you’ll walk into the PSAT feeling prepared and confident.