<p>So, I've been preparing for the PSAT for about two years now, and I have to take it in about four weeks. Last year, I took a real one as practice and got a 201. In order to be a National Merit Scholar in my state, you must get at least a 210. Well, anyway I have the College Board SAT book and have been using it to prepare for the PSAT.My tutor grades the tests and takes the average of whatever the SAT scores would be for that section. (For example, if the book says 65-75 he'll give me a 70 for that section). Now, in the past in this same book, I have gotten a 217, a 211, and a 210. However, two tests ago I got a 202 and last test I did I got a 198 (I did this one mostly in one sitting, timing myself). I'm worried I won't be able to pass the test, and I really need to become a National Merit Scholar if I want to go to a good college. What should I do to prepare? Should I just keep doing what I am doing now? I don't really study vocab or anything, I just take tests for the most part. Am I doing something wrong? I would just like some help or guidance on what to do. Thanks.</p>
<p>You have been prepping for TWO YEARS? What have you been doing?</p>
<p>OT: Don’t get nervous. Composure is your best fried on the SAT.</p>
<p>My tutor just provides me with tests… 
Some ACT prep has been mixed in there though.</p>
<p>Does anyone else have some advice?</p>
<p>The PSAT doesn’t determine whether or not you go to a good college; becoming a National Merit Finalist might get you a $2000-3000 scholarship but you only find out after you get into college I believe. So don’t stress about it… the scores don’t really count for anything.</p>
<p>What are your strengths and weaknesses?</p>
<p>Unless you spend time carefully reviewing your results question by question, addressing knowledge gaps, and adjusting your test taking approach based on specific question results, repeated test taking has limited value – except in scheduling your time in the actual test. Even for that you seem to be straying, in that it appears you don’t strictly take the test in one sitting.</p>
<p>You need to identify your “gaps” and address them. Follow up on every guess and wrong answer. Why did you guess right or wrong? Why did you get specific questions wrong. You’re likely to find a pattern. Focus on it with targeted questions and extra study. You may need to find a new tutor.</p>