Overview
This lecture provides essential tips and strategies to help students excel on the PSAT/NMSQT, covering test format, time management, section-specific techniques, and preparation advice.
PSAT/NMSQT Overview & Importance
- The PSAT/NMSQT determines eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship ($2,500) and additional college/corporate awards.
- The format mirrors the SAT, with two Reading/Writing modules (27 questions, 32 minutes each) and two Math modules (22 questions, 35 minutes each).
Time Management Strategies
- Spend about 1 minute 10 seconds per Reading/Writing question and 1 minute 35 seconds per Math question.
- Module 2 questions are usually harder, so watch your time more closely.
- If a question seems too time-consuming, skip it and return later.
General Test-Taking Tips
- Always assess how long a question will take before attempting it.
- Stay alert and avoid getting too comfortable; errors often happen when you lose focus.
- Be conscious of time remaining and how many questions are left.
- Use process of elimination to narrow answer choices.
- Ensure your answer specifically responds to what the question asks; watch for misleading answer options.
- Avoid extreme answer choices (e.g., "always," "absolutely") unless justified.
Reading/Writing Section Strategies
- Read the question before the passage to know what information to seek.
- For hard passages, take brief notes or jot keywords/arrows on paper to stay engaged.
- In grammar questions, if three answer choices are similar and one is different, consider the "odd one" as potentially correct, but rely on rules over tricks.
- Support your answers with evidence from the passage or grammar rules, not just intuition.
- Don’t rely solely on what "sounds right" for writing questions.
Math Section Strategies
- Use Desmos (graphing calculator) efficiently for solving equations and calculations.
- Recognize when Desmos is not helpful and solve using other methods.
- Double-check answers using alternative solution methods if time permits.
- Reduce mistakes by understanding content and practicing to familiarize with question styles.
- Practice both with and without Desmos to be prepared for all question types.
Key Terms & Definitions
- PSAT/NMSQT — Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test; a standardized test used for scholarship eligibility.
- Desmos — An online/calculator tool used for graphing and solving math problems.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice timed sections to improve pacing.
- Review grammar and math concepts; do practice problems in both sections.
- Learn to use Desmos effectively and practice solving without it.
- Complete assigned homework and reading for further PSAT/NMSQT preparation.