PSAT Results--How to Use Them

Sometime in December High Schools will start to distribute the results to the PSAT which was administered in October. The student is given a perfect starting point from which to set goals on the big test, the SAT. I have recently written an article which suggests how to set realistic SAT goals based upon PSAT performance. The link to the article is here: http://ezinearticles.com/?Setting-SAT-Goals-From-PSAT-Results&id=1720942

The PSAT Matters

October is PSAT month. Many students go into the PSAT with the following philosophy-- it doesn't count so why should I try? It is foolish not to try on the PSAT for several reasons. First, the PSAT honors those who do well with National Merit Scholarships. Second, colleges give extra money to National Merit Scholars because it increases a schools prestige to have National Merit Scholars in its student body. But with National Merit Scholars we are talking about the top 2% of High School Juniors nationwide. For most others, the PSAT is an opportunity to take a practice test under proper test conditions. Sometime in December, the PSAT results come out with a detailed analysis which is useful for the preparation for the real deal, the SAT. Use this result sheet to locate those areas which need the most improvement. Give this sheet to your tutor and map out a proper study plan designed to turn those weaknesses into strengths.

A Journey of 3000 Miles............

begins with one step. Ex NY Giant captain George Martin just completed a 3003 mile walk from NYC to San Diego, CA to raise money for 9/11 rescue workers. Martin began his journey on Sept. 16, 2007 and averaged 22 miles per day for approximately 10 months. The lesson here is that remarkable things can be accomplished with baby steps. Students who can devote as little as one half hour per day this summer, will be able to accumulate up to 45 hours of study time before school starts in the fall. Imagine 45 hours of study time for the SAT without impacting your daily routine. It takes 21 days to form a habit. So by July 10th, the half hour study time should be as routine as brushing your teeth. Slow and steady wins the race. Start now, don't wait until the last minute. Be the best prepared of all your classmates for the PSAT in October 2008.