Review - Cracking the PSAT/NMSQT with 2 Practice Tests

Special thanks: Amy Minster, Aaron Lindh, Elizabeth Owens

Thanks: Jim Havens, Tony Krupp, Anne Goldberg

The Princeton Review would like to thank Johnathan Chiu, Debbie Silvestrini, and Kathy Carter for their work on this book.

Special thanks to Adam Robinson, who conceived of and perfected the Joe Bloggs approach to standardized tests, and many other techniques in this book.

Go to PrincetonReview.com/cracking

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The PSAT/NMSQTfrom now on, well just call it the PSATis a standardized test given primarily to high school juniors to give them a preliminary idea of how well they could do on SAT question types. The test is also used to determine which students are eligible for National Merit Scholar recognition. This chapter will give you a general overview of the test and how it is used, along with the basics to start your preparation.

Ah, yesfirst things first. Well, to be honest, were not really sure. You can pronounce it pee-sat-nim-squit if you want. However, we think its easier just to call it the PSAT.

Keep on Schedule

Youll officially take the
PSAT in the fall of your
junior year. Plan to take
the SAT anytime between
the winter of your junior
year and the fall of your
senior year.

The PSAT is officially administered twice each year, typically on a Wednesday and Saturday of the same week in October. Your school will announce the exact dates at the beginning of the school year, or you can find out at PrincetonReview.com, or the College Board at CollegeBoard.com.

You dont have to do anything to sign up for the PSAT; your school will do all the work for you. Test registration fees can vary from school to school, so be sure to check with your guidance counselor if you have questions about how much the PSAT will cost you.

If you have a diagnosed learning difference, you will probably qualify for special accommodations on the PSAT. However, its important that you get the process started early. The first step is to speak to your school counselor who handles learning differences. Only he or she can file the appropriate paperwork. Youll also need to gather some information (documentation of your condition) from a licensed practitioner and some other information from your school. Then your school counselor will file the application for you.