<p>S is a junior and takes the test this Oct. He took some SAT sample tests out of a prep book over the summer, but did nothing specifically for the PSAT. Was that a mistake? Should he buy a separate prep book for the PSAT and practice from it? We also enrolled him in a PSAT prep course, but he felt it was a waste of time after attending two classes then dropped out.</p>
<p>My D took the PSAT every year since she was a freshman. Then she did the SAT question of the day emails (you sign up for them and it’s free on collegeboard). Then she took the real SAT the week before the PSAT. The October date of the test. I think the October SAT was a real help. She did awesome on it and never took it again(we only planned it as a low stress “practice” for the real SAT). The PSAT is actually the last test she took. Weird, but it worked!</p>
<p>Debbie: that’s good to know. I signed D2 up for the Oct 1st SAT this year with the same reasoning in mind :)</p>
<p>I do not think you need to prepare for the SAT and PSAT separately. There is not a huge difference between the two besides the obvious essay and longer time for the SAT. The sections themselves are similar, and if he is doing fine on the SAT then he should do similarly on the PSAT. I took the PSAT and SAT last year and scored a 231 and 2360 respectively so my scores were pretty close. I actually did what Debbie’s daughter did (I took the October 9 SAT right before my PSAT) and it helped acclimate me to the real testing environment. </p>
<p>perazziman, if your son needs any critical reading help, I have a short guide online here on CC if he wants to read it for some extra tips and advice (I scored 800 on the CR on the October SAT last year). Best of luck to him with the SAT and PSAT!</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/1024138-how-i-got-800-sat-critical-reading-story-guide.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/1024138-how-i-got-800-sat-critical-reading-story-guide.html</a></p>
<p>Thanks for the responses and I will also try to get S signed up for the Oct 1 SAT. Tried to sign up online, but CB is asking for prior registeration number and date. S took it in 7th grade as part of Duke University TIP and I did not save the info. Did not think we would need it now. </p>
<p>Apoc314, Thanks very much for sharing your strategy. S read your posts and found them very helpful. Just to share some history, S scored 67 & 61 on the PSAT CR & M respectively, in sophomore year. This summer he took the practice tests from the CB blue book and started in the low 700s in CR and high 600s in M. Within two weeks, he was around 740-750, ultimately around 770 on both CR & M in a month and a half. However, then he stopped preparing. He knew TX NMFs need around 215 and thought he could pull it off. After reading your posts he realized it helps to keep practicing, so tonite he took a test (first time) from PR’s 11 tests for the SAT and his scores are back down to between 690-710. I think it has scared him. Hopefully, he will try to learn the vocabulary list and practice a little more lol: </p>
<p>A lot of people seem to be suggesting it is better to take the old SAT/ PSAT tests rather than a third party such as Princeton Review. It seems like a valid reason. What is your opinion? Thanks, again.</p>
<p>Pretty much every piece of advice I’ve read on CC says to get the “Blue Book of SAT’s” that’s published by College Board as it has actual older SAT tests. [SAT</a> Study Guide - Official SAT Practice Tests](<a href=“The SAT – SAT Suite | College Board”>SAT Study Guide – SAT Suite | College Board)</p>
<p>I think it’s a good idea to take the Oct SAT which is about a week or so before the PSAT… </p>
<p>It gives the student real time “practice” to see if he’s pacing himself correctly or if he’s running out of time.</p>
<p>And, between now and then, have him do a couple of test sections each weekend. I used to give my kids matinee tix for doing practice tests…one for the kid and one for a friend. It worked. lol And…the good thing is that after the child sees that practice makes for better scores, they start doing it without any incentive.</p>
<p>Not to discourage anyone, but My D saw only about a 15 point increase on each PSAT that she took. We did approach it with a low-key strategy though, not saying others can’t get more dramatic increases with more intense prep (if you can get the kid on board!)</p>
<p>^^^</p>
<p>Yes, many kids only see a 5 - 10 pt increase each year…I think that’s typical.</p>
<p>However, my son’s friend increased his PSAT by 50 points (very unusual) and my older son increased his score by about 25 points between soph and junior years. My younger son only increased his score by about 10.</p>
<p>Mine went up 41 points from first at home practice PSAT to Junior year official test. She studied sporadically from summer before sophomore year until she took the OCT SAT. After taking the SAT, she didn’t feel as prepared as she would like, so, she did four more official PSAT practice tests. She went from 2100 on the SAT to 228 on the PSAT.</p>
<p>Is it possible that kids who do not prepare for their sophomore year psat see bigger increases after preparing for their junior year psat? I guess we are about to find out in a few months!</p>
<p>I’m very nervous about the PSAT. The only time I have to prepare is on weekends, and my score is hovering right at my state’s cutoff line.</p>
<p>I was about 40 points off from my state’s cutoff line when I took the PSAT in sophomore year and 60 points off in freshman year. </p>
<p>The last thing I want to happen is for me to score around my state’s cutoff line. Seeing the dramatic increase in the cutoffs this year, and the fact that you have to wait a year until you are notified by NMSQT … the suspense will kill me. </p>
<p>I’m aiming for a 220+ to ensure SF standing. If anyone can share tips for studying, tips for test day, I’m all ears :)!</p>
<p>I’m a little late to answer the question about official testing materials versus outside sources like Princeton Review, but I agree with RobD. I also used the Official SAT Study Guide by College Board (aka the Blue Book) to prepare for my SAT and PSAT.</p>
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<p>I read somewhere that one can expect around a 6 point increase, every year. On the other hand, the intense prep program folks told us they usually add as many as 30 points. However, S decided to drop out of that intense prep after two classes! So, I know exactly what you mean, when you said, if you can get the kid on board! </p>
<p>Personally, I will be happy if he gets 2 more points, since 1300 on the SAT (CR+M) gets him an auto admit at A&M. Everything else is just icing on the cake.</p>
<p>"I’m very nervous about the PSAT. The only time I have to prepare is on weekends, and my score is hovering right at my state’s cutoff line.</p>
<p>I was about 40 points off from my state’s cutoff line when I took the PSAT in sophomore year and 60 points off in freshman year. </p>
<p>The last thing I want to happen is for me to score around my state’s cutoff line. Seeing the dramatic increase in the cutoffs this year, and the fact that you have to wait a year until you are notified by NMSQT … the suspense will kill me. </p>
<p>I’m aiming for a 220+ to ensure SF standing. If anyone can share tips for studying, tips for test day, I’m all ears !"</p>
<p>Haha I am literally in the same position as you and got around the same scores sophomore and freshman year. Don’t stress out about it; composure is your best friend on the SAT.</p>
<p>Ice Qube: Since your time is limited and your scores are already good., I suggest you focus on the math and writing. Those sections have the harsher curve. If you get one or two more of each of those correct, you can put yourself in the safe zone. Look at the various study guides in the SAT practice section of CC. Good luck</p>
<p>Signed up S for SAT Oct 1. Thanks for suggesting it.</p>
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<p>How do you practice after finishing the Official SAT Study Guide (blue book)? I think S has 2 tests left in the Guide. Do you know whether the College Board Online SAT tests are different than those in the book? Thanks again.</p>
<p>Some of the online SAT tests from the College Board’s online prep course are different, but I am not sure how many are different since I never used it. I actually started using Kaplan to practice, but I switched to the Blue Book and found it much more accurate and helpful. After you finish the Blue Book, try other books such as Princeton Review for extra practice even though it will not be as accurate as the Blue Book. But practice will still help from books like Kaplan or Princeton Review, although finishing the blue book should be of first priority.</p>
<p>I also signed up my daughter (who is a junior this year) for the SAT this fall. She’ll take it November 5th for the same reason you mentioned. She’s been studying for it since August and we figure we’ll see how she does in November. If she does well, then she’s done. If not, more practice and then take it again in the spring.</p>