<p>I got a 150 on my PSAT, and I feel I did poorly. My lowest score was Critical Reading, followed by Mathematics, then Writing Skills - how may one suggest to prepare for the PSATs for sophomore and junior year (especially for the critical reading section)?</p>
<p>There are lots of PSAT and SAT books/resources out there (see the SAT books thread for more info). </p>
<p>Also note that PSAT score isn’t too important unless you’re aiming for Nat. Merit scholarship, but it’s nice to prepare for the SAT early.</p>
<p>Read a lot. I literally read nearly my entire Chemistry textbook I borrowed over the summer, so it was a “two birds, one stone” moment. Unfortunately, I couldn’t test out of my Chemistry class (why I really dislike my school…I haven’t transferred to a renown school within my district because I love my teachers, friends, and counsellor). </p>
<p>Anyway, I moved from a 187 to a 228 just from practice and reading. Do practice problems (the question of the day helps, but you’re going to improve much more from full-length tests). Good luck!</p>
<p>You’ve got 2 years until it matters. Use the time to study for it. SAT materials would be good since the PSAT is basically a shortened SAT not including the essay. Also, look through forums here on CC and see what range the National Merit Semifinalist cutoffs usually are for your state. Some states have cutoffs in the low 200s and others have ones as high as 22-something, and there’s everything in between. Find out what the state cutoff range is for your state so you have an area to shoot for. </p>
<p>Also, bear in mind that the PSAT and SAT tests are going to be changing in the next couple years, so try hard find any practice materials you can for that. There’s bound not to be anywhere near as many as there are for the current tests, but hopefully there’ll be something.</p>
<p>Don’t stress too much over making National Merit Semifinalist, but don’t completely blow it off either. It is a path to get some amazing merit money if you apply to the right schools. There are plenty of threads on here about that competition. Best of luck!</p>