Helping Students Prepare
Getting your students ready for the PSAT/NMSQT
When students take the PSAT/NMSQT, they are not required to recall facts—even the math formulas needed are supplied to them. Instead, the PSAT/NMSQT measures reasoning skills—for instance, knowing when to choose one of those math formulas and how to use it to arrive at the correct answer.
Long-term preparation
It takes time to develop reasoning skills, and that's why the best preparation for the PSAT/NMSQT is long term:
- Taking the most challenging courses students can handle
- Reading widely
- Writing frequently
- Studying hard
- Getting involved in problem-solving activities through clubs, sports, hobbies, part-time jobs, etc.
This is the same preparation necessary for the SAT®—and for success in college-level course work.
Short-term preparation
Read on for information on short-term preparation for the PSAT/NMSQT:
- Test by Section: Take a closer look at the critical reading, mathematics, and writing skills sections of the tests.
- Approaches & Strategies: Tips on familiarizing your students with the PSAT/NMSQT before test day.
- Resources & Tools: Downloads to help you prepare your students and their families for the PSAT/NMSQT.