About the test
The PSAT is a shorter, “practice” version of the SAT and, for most students, is a way to determine how they will do on the SAT. It consists of five sections: two Math, two Critical Reading, and one Grammar. There is no essay on the PSAT. You can take the PSAT as a freshman, sophomore, and junior if desired. It is administered through your high school.

High scoring juniors have opportunities to earn national recognition and scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation in a national competition. Both the National Merit Corporation and various university merit scholarships are based on junior year PSAT scores. Some universities offer the highest scorers (National Merit Semi-Finalists) automatic half or full tuition scholarships. For example, USC offers an automatic, four-year, half tuition scholarship for all admitted National Merit Semi-Finalists. Click here to view Presidential Scholarship Information If you tend to do well on standardized tests or scored well on the PSAT your sophomore year, Excel advises you to prep for your junior year PSAT.

Our General Prep Plan
For PSAT prep, we recommend about 8 sessions. This means meeting once per week for about two months, prior to a student taking the test.

Sessions last approximately one hour and students are given homework each week. Time for weekly homework varies, but it will be approximately 1.5 hours to 3 hours. More or less homework can be given depending on the student’s needs.

During PSAT prep, we will:

• Discuss strategies for reading passages and vocabulary questions.
• Learn and practice key vocabulary words.
• Review all necessary math concepts.
• Learn Math Strategies.
• Go over grammar rules and learn grammar tricks.

When should I prep for the PSAT?
Prep for the PSAT should be done during the summer or early fall of your junior year. The PSAT is offered by high schools in mid October.

The PSAT is one of the most underused assets for families who are looking for merit aid to help pay for college expenses. Many students who could be eligible for National Merit Recognition do not prep before the PSAT and do not realize the importance of the PSAT for them.