25 PSAT Tips: Advice from a Top 1% Scorer
The PSAT is a crucial step toward college applications and can unlock prestigious scholarships like National Merit. These proven strategies will help you maximize your score and opportunities.
Why the PSAT matters: While PSAT scores aren't used directly for college admissions, top scorers can earn National Merit recognition and significant scholarships—including full-ride opportunities at certain schools. The PSAT also provides valuable data for crafting your SAT strategy.
Before the Test
Familiarize yourself with the test format
Don't take the PSAT completely unprepared—this can lead to a negative experience and increase test anxiety. Learn about the test structure, which has changed significantly in recent years. The PSAT is now digital-only and has a different format than older versions. Understanding what to expect will help you feel more confident on test day.
Take a practice test and set realistic goals
Take a full practice test to assess your current level. Use your performance to identify strengths and weaknesses. If you score in the top 3-5% of test-takers, you have a realistic shot at National Merit recognition and should take prep seriously. Make a strategic list of concepts to practice, focusing on areas where you can improve most quickly.
Learn missing concepts strategically
Focus on concepts that appear most frequently first: basic grammar rules, linear algebra, and exponent operations. Only after mastering these fundamentals should you tackle less common topics like circle equations or literary devices. Pro tip: Don't waste time memorizing vocabulary flashcards. Instead, read books and articles to naturally improve your vocabulary.
Practice consistently
The best way to improve your PSAT score is through consistent practice. Do focused drills on weak areas, and occasionally take full timed practice tests to work on pacing. Any practice you do for the PSAT also prepares you for the SAT, since they're nearly identical tests. Use Study Share's digital practice tests to ensure you're preparing with the current format.
Use up-to-date, high-quality resources
The new digital PSAT has a completely different structure than older versions. Most prep resources from before Fall 2022 are outdated. Make sure you're using recently revised materials, especially for the new Reading & Writing section. Check that resources have been updated for the digital format.
Learn multiple problem-solving strategies
In addition to understanding concepts, learn strategies for different question types. Sometimes the most efficient method is working backwards, plugging in answer choices, or using other shortcuts. On the PSAT, only the correct answer matters—not how you got there. Strategies that might not be acceptable in your math class are perfectly fine on the test.
Draw diagrams for math problems
Drawing a rough sketch or diagram can help you visualize math problems. Always draw a diagram for geometry problems that don't already provide one. Quick sketches can also help with problems involving lines, parabolas, or exponential curves. Don't spend too much time making your drawing perfect—a rough sketch is usually enough.
Read grammar options "out loud"
For grammar questions, try silently mouthing the multiple-choice options. Often you'll be able to "hear" which answer sounds right—trust your instincts! This is especially helpful for comma placement questions. Top scorers use this technique, so don't feel silly doing it.
Beware half-true answers in Reading
Test writers often create answer choices that are partially correct but have distorted scope. The first half of an answer might be totally true, but check every single part. They usually try to trick you in the second half. Read carefully and verify that the entire answer is supported by the passage.
Think of your own answer first
This tip is especially great for high-scoring students who tend to overthink. Test writers set traps with answers that echo phrases from the text or "sound good." To avoid these traps, ignore the multiple-choice options at first. Think of what your own answer would be based on the text, then look at the options. Usually one will closely match your idea—that's the one to choose.
Get help when needed
Test prep can be overwhelming. If you're struggling with concepts, use online resources, ask teachers for help, or consider working with a tutor. One-on-one tutoring is often the most efficient way to prepare because an experienced tutor can help you focus immediately on areas where you can gain the most points quickly. Check out Study Share's practice tests to identify areas for improvement.
Test Day
Sleep well the night before—don't cram
Don't study the night before the test. The stress and exhaustion from last-minute cramming will hurt more than help. Focus on getting 8-9 hours of sleep. Eat a healthy dinner, avoid caffeine and screens in the evening, and do something relaxing. The only exception: if you haven't done any prep, spend an hour familiarizing yourself with the test format.
Bring the right supplies
Pack the night before: photo ID, fully charged laptop or tablet (with charger), two #2 pencils, a watch (non-beeping), a calculator you're comfortable using (with fresh batteries), water, a healthy snack, comfortable layers, and headphones for pre-test music. Don't try a new calculator on test day—stick with what you know.
Eat a good breakfast
Eat a balanced breakfast with protein and complex carbohydrates (oatmeal, yogurt with granola, eggs, etc.). These foods boost concentration. Avoid simple sugars like donuts or sugary cereals. Stick to your usual caffeine routine—don't experiment on test day.
Arrive early
Leave plenty of time to get to the testing location. Most students take the PSAT at their school, which is great practice for the SAT in a familiar environment. Arriving early prevents stress from traffic or parking issues that have nothing to do with the test itself.
Use confidence-boosting hacks
Listen to pump-up music before the test. Do light exercise (a short walk or jumping jacks) to get blood flowing and decrease stress. Try power poses—stand like Superman with your chest out and chin up. Engage in positive self-talk. You've got this!
Pace yourself
Time management is the #1 challenge on the PSAT. Budget your time and keep an eye on the clock. Set halfway goals (e.g., "By 10:15, I should have 20 problems done"). A good rule of thumb: spend no more than one minute per question. Practice pacing with timed practice tests.
Prioritize easier questions
All questions are worth the same points, so prioritize easy and medium questions over hard ones. If a hard question takes 2 minutes, you might have answered 3-4 easier questions correctly in that time. If you're not a top scorer, consider guessing on the hardest questions and focusing on easier ones.
Use breaks effectively
Don't just sit at your desk during breaks. Use the bathroom, eat your snack, drink water, and move around. Do quick power poses and deep breathing to calm your nervous system and improve focus. Movement helps maintain concentration.
Never leave answers blank
There are no penalties for wrong answers on the PSAT. Always guess! Even a random guess gives you a 25% chance. If you can eliminate one or two choices, your odds improve to 33% or 50%. Leave time at the end of each section to confirm you've answered every question.
Use deep breathing to calm your body
When nervous, our bodies send energy away from our brains—not helpful for tests! Deep breathing can reset your nervous system. Try breathing in for 4 counts, holding for 4, and releasing over 6-8 counts. Do this before the test, between sections, or even during the test if you feel your brain spinning out. The 30 seconds lost will be worth the improved focus.
After the Test
Learn from your experience
Reflect on how the test felt. What was harder than expected? Did you feel nervous? This valuable information can help you prepare more effectively for the SAT and ACT, which are used for college admissions. Use your experience to refine your strategy.
Use results to start making a college list
PSAT results (typically available about 6 weeks after testing) can help you start building a college list. They give initial indications of where you might be a competitive applicant. Create a balanced list with safety, target, and reach schools. If your scores aren't where you want them, don't worry—significant improvement is possible with targeted practice.
Look for scholarship opportunities
If you did well, be on the lookout for scholarship notifications. Consider opting into the Student Search Service, which allows colleges and scholarship programs to recruit high-scoring students. Students scoring in the top 3% may qualify for National Merit recognition—notifications come in the fall of senior year, nearly a year after testing.
Use results to plan SAT prep
Your PSAT Score Report contains valuable data for planning SAT prep. It shows your strengths and weaknesses across different content areas. Consider taking the SAT earlier to avoid the scheduling crunch of AP tests and finals in late spring of junior year. You might also consider trying the ACT, which plays better to some students' strengths.
Ready to Put These Tips Into Practice?
Start preparing with Study Share's comprehensive test prep resources: