Some Points To Remember While Choosing PSAT Dates

5 Things to Consider When You Select a PSAT Date

The PSAT tests the skills you have acquired over the years. The first step in appearing for the test is selecting a date for the test. However, there are other aspects you need to remember when you make this selection. The five important things to consider are:

  1. Selecting a Test CenterThe available test date is in October. It is offered on two days every year, the third Saturday of October and the preceding Wednesday. Before selecting a date, check with your high school counsellor or administration office about the day/date when your school will administer the test. In case you are unable to appear for the test on the day your school is administering it, check with the other high schools in or near your area to check if they are administering on the alternate date. For example, if your school is administering the test on Saturday, another school might be administering the test on Wednesday. It is important that you decide quickly about your test center because you will need to sign up at the test center where you intend to take the test. Make sure that you pay the test fee at the center where you will appear for the test.
  2. Check for other informationIf you are in grade 11 and require fee waivers, check with your school counsellor whether you are eligible for fee waivers and the method for applying for the waiver. If you want to apply for scholarships, check the cut-off dates and set reminders in advance to remind you about submitting your applications. Look out for related information, such as college admissions, so that you know when to appear for the PSAT, SAT and when to submit applications for colleges.
  3. Plan a study scheduleEvery standardized test requires steady preparation over a period. Cramming is not the key to achieving high scores in such tests. Thus, you will need to set a timetable for yourself, which will help you to pace yourself for the test. Setting a schedule will allow you enough time to cover all the topics/concepts as well as practice each type of question. Make sure that you devote equal time to each subject and concentrate equally on each topic. Identify your strengths and weaknesses by taking diagnostic tests so that you can focus more on the weak areas. Develop a strategy to prepare thoroughly for the test. If you are attending tutorials or classes, make sure that you allocate time to prepare by yourself as self-study reinforces the concepts studied.
  4. Familiarize yourself on the test formatThis is an important step after selecting a date. Practice as much as you can after you have studied the concepts. The skills you need to achieve a high score are not information based that will be repeated in the test. For example, it does not test your ability to recall specific information. The test is an assessment of your logical or critical thinking abilities, your ability to apply the knowledge you have learned over the years in high school and your knowledge of vocabulary. Thus, you must practice using these skills.
  5. Remember important informationMake sure that you are aware of the test date, time and your test center. You will not be allowed to appear for the test if you arrive late. Carry only what is required at the test center, especially approved calculators. Make sure you know this beforehand to avoid any untoward situation. The things you need to carry with you on the test day are:
    • No. 2 pencils and eraser
    • Approved calculator
    • Social security number (optional)
    • Student ID number, assigned by your school (optional)
    • E-mail address (optional)