Making the Most of Your PSAT: A Step-by-Step Guide to SAT Preparation

You just took your PSAT, got your score and now all you want to do is curl up on your couch and relax. The strict rules and the difficult pattern might have been quite nerve-wracking. But is it time to be laid back? Absolutely not. Instead, you must fasten your seat belt and start preparing for the upcoming SAT. After all, you should score high if you want to make it to that dream university. 

What you need is a proper PSAT to SAT study plan, and your score can help you with this. Want to know how? Here’s a guide for you. 

Role of PSAT in Creating a Study Plan for SAT

PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, is a preparatory or practice exam that gives you an idea about what to expect on the SAT. Here’s how: 

• Understanding the Test Format

The exam pattern for the PSAT is the same as the SAT. The syllabus, question format, and topics are all similar. It contains three sections – Mathematics, Reading, Writing and Language.  

• Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses

Your PSAT scores are quite elaborate and give you a clear picture of the sections you excel in and the ones you need to improve. This can come in handy to create an effective PSAT to SAT study plan. 

• SAT Score Prediction

PSAT is not as difficult as SAT but it still gives you a clear idea about how well you are prepared to take the ultimate test. The score is a clear indicator of how prepared you are for the final test. 

• Boosts Your Confidence

Spending sleepless nights worrying about the SAT? Putting your PSAT preparation strategies to the test can help you deal with your anxiety. It will help you understand how to work better and also give you an experience of the exam. 

PSAT to SAT Study Plan: Your Roadmap to Success

Starting to prepare for the SAT while the PSAT concepts are still fresh in your mind? It is time to build a study plan. Here’s how to go about it: 

Step 1: Review the PSAT Score

Before you design a PSAT to SAT study plan, analyze your PSAT score in detail. Review all the sections individually, i.e., Math’s, Reading, and Writing. Additionally, try to understand the difference in the marking scheme that is used for SAT. 

While going through your scorecard, look out for where you have made maximum errors. This will help you understand what parts you should improve. 

When analyzing your score, think of your performance as a whole. Which sections did you find particularly hard and were there any unexpected difficulties? By understanding this you can prepare yourself mentally and academically for the SAT. 

Step 2: Check the Differences Between PSAT and SAT

While PSAT and SAT have a similar format, there are some differences. Being unaware of these while preparing for the SAT can affect your final score: 

• Essay: You are not expected to write an essay in PSAT but you have an optional essay question in SAT. Some colleges expect the candidate to have attempted the essay. So, you must plan to practice this during your preparation hours. Also, check for the colleges that require the essay. When in doubt, write the essay.
• Duration: The SAT exam lasts longer than the PSAT. Thus, it tests your focus along with your knowledge. When designing a PSAT to SAT study plan, set aside slots for timed practice tests to learn to manage your time better. 
• Difficulty: It is no surprise that the SAT is harder than the PSAT. Thus, you may have to apply more logic and analytical skills to answer all the questions. 

Step 3: Set a Target Score

Have a specific college or university in mind? Check what SAT score you need to get into these and accordingly set a target score. This will help you create a plan that is more detailed and efficient than your PSAT preparation strategies. 

Step 4: Make a Study Plan

Now that you know your strengths and weaknesses and your target score, it is time to make a PSAT to SAT study plan. Here are some ideas:  

• Get Your Study Sources: You can prepare for the SAT yourself or opt for professional guidance. Collect books, study material, and practice tests to help you in your preparation. 
• Enhance Your Answering Strategies: Students who score high on the SAT are not just well-read people. They are smart exam takers who prioritize the sections at their convenience. They also know how to select the correct answer through the elimination method or make an educated guess. Learn these to improve your chances of scoring high. 
• Set a Timetable: You do not have to study 24/7 to score high on the SAT. In fact, this is not recommended. Design a schedule that gives you enough time to study and also to enjoy. The time your brain functions the best should be set aside for preparation. 

Conclusion

Once you have analyzed your PSAT score and have the PSAT to SAT study plan in place, put it into action immediately. A good SAT score can get you into your chosen college and scholarship opportunities. So, instead of taking a breather after your PSAT, dive right into your SAT preparations.

Want to make things easier? Check out Turito’s SAT prep that is carefully designed by experts for your success.

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