My daughter is taking the PSAT next week, and in preparation we've been exploring a range of digital tools to help her prepare.
The PSAT can be a valuable tool for students in multiple ways. First, it can help to prepare students for taking the SAT in subsequent years. Second, students who achieve high scores on the PSAT can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program and other scholarships.
You can find details about the PSAT on the College Board website.
There are free downloadable PSAT practice tests available through Khan Academy. Students can also get personalized PSAT support by connecting their College Board accounts with Khan Academy.
Often educational technology can engage today's students in ways a traditional tutor might not. Plus, classroom teachers do not have the resources to dedicate to this type of test prep, either, so if students want to practice in advance, digital tools are often the best bet.
There are a number of free digital tools available that can help students prepare for this exam. In addition to providing online access, some are available as apps for students to engage with via their mobile devices.
Here's a list of resources you and your student might find valuable when preparing for the PSAT. All of the following offer free resources as well as support that is available for an additional fee.
Kaplan provides access to a range of free tools to help students prepare for the PSAT. This includes free live sessions, free quizzes, and a study plan. It also provides free study lessons with practice questions in each of the three test areas: math, reading, and writing.
Varsity Tutors has free PSAT practice tests available. It also offers free diagnostic tests to help determine which area(s) a student needs to focus on during preparation. Varsity Tutors has apps available for download on Google Play and the Apple Store.
The Princeton Review offers free online PSAT practice tests as well as comprehensive preparatory courses for a fee.
Magoosh provides a free PSAT mobile app on the Apple Store and Google Play with video tutorials and practice questions in each of the PSAT categories.
While having exposure to the standard printed practice tests is valuable, if your student wants digital preparation opportunities on desktop or laptop, Kaplan is my recommendation. If your student prefers mobile/tablet practice, my recommendation is Varsity Tutors.