College Counseling Blog | The Dunham School, Baton Rouge, LA

       

 


 

 

Sophomores: Your First Look at the PSAT Is a Low-Stakes Practice for Future Success!

September 2025

Sophomores, as you settle into your second year of high school, you might start hearing whispers about standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. Before you begin to take those tests for “real,” you will have the opportunity to take the PSAT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) on October 13, at Dunham. Think of it as your first official "dress rehearsal" for college admissions tests.

But what exactly is the PSAT, and why should you care about it now?

What is a PSAT?

The PSAT is a standardized test administered by the College Board (the same folks who create the SAT).

Here's what you need to know:

  • It's a practice SAT: The PSAT is designed to be very similar in format, content, and scoring to the SAT. It covers three main areas:
    • Reading and Writing: This section tests your ability to comprehend passages, understand vocabulary in context, and apply Standard English conventions to improve written expression.
    • Math: This section covers algebra, problem-solving, data analysis, geometry, and trigonometry. You'll encounter both multiple-choice and "grid-in" (student-produced response) questions
  • It's a "low-stakes" test for sophomores: Unlike the PSAT you might take as a junior (which can qualify you for National Merit Scholarships), your sophomore PSAT score does not count for college admissions. This is great news! It means you can take it without a ton of pressure and focus on learning the ropes.
  • It provides valuable feedback: Your PSAT score report will break down your performance by section and even by specific skill areas. This feedback is incredibly useful because it highlights your strengths and identifies areas where you might need to focus your studies before taking the actual SAT or ACT later on.
  • It familiarizes you with the testing environment: Taking the PSAT gives you a chance to experience the timed conditions, question types, and overall structure of a major standardized test. This can help reduce anxiety when you take the real deal
Why Take the PSAT as a Sophomore?

Even though your sophomore PSAT scores don't go on your college applications, taking the test offers several key benefits:

  • Early Exposure: You can become familiar with the test format and question types before junior year.
  • Identify Strengths & Weaknesses: The detailed score report shows you exactly what you're good at and what areas need more attention.
  • Develop Test-Taking Strategies: Practice pacing yourself and managing your time effectively.
  • Build Confidence: A successful practice run can boost your confidence for future standardized tests.
Easy and Free Ways to Prep for the PSAT

The great news is that you don't need expensive tutoring or fancy prep books at this stage. There are plenty of fantastic, free resources available to help you prepare.

  1. Khan Academy Official SAT Practice: This is the best free resource. The College Board (creators of the PSAT and SAT) partners with Khan Academy to provide personalized, official practice
    1. How to use it: Create a free account. If you take the PSAT, you can link your College Board and Khan Academy accounts, and Khan Academy will generate a personalized study plan based on your PSAT results, focusing on the areas where you need the most improvement. Even without PSAT scores, you can take practice tests and work on specific skills.
  2. College Board's Official PSAT Practice Tests: The College Board itself provides free full-length practice tests (often through their "Bluebook" app for the digital version).
    1. How to use it: Download the Bluebook app to take official digital practice tests. You can also find downloadable paper-based practice tests on the College Board website. Taking a full practice test under timed conditions is one of the best ways to get a feel for the real test.
  3. Everyday Learning: Believe it or not, your regular schoolwork is excellent preparation for the PSAT!
    1. Read broadly: The more you read (fiction, non-fiction, articles, books), the better your reading comprehension and vocabulary will become.
    2. Pay attention in Math class: The math concepts on the PSAT are directly related to what you're learning in your Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II classes.
    3. Practice your writing: Focus on clear and concise writing in your English classes. Understanding grammar and sentence structure will directly help the Writing & Language section.
  4. Free Online Quizzes and Sample Questions: Many test prep websites (like Kaplan Test Prep and The Princeton Review) offer free sample questions and short quizzes. These can be a quick way to test your knowledge on specific topics.
    1. How to use it: Search for "free PSAT practice quizzes" and try a few. Don't feel pressured to sign up for paid services; just utilize their free offerings.
  5. Review Your PSAT Score Report (when you get it!): Once you receive your PSAT score report (typically a few weeks after you take the test), don't just glance at the score.
    1. How to use it: Go through the detailed breakdown. It will show you which questions you got right and wrong, and categorize them by skill. This is your roadmap for future preparation.

Taking the PSAT as a sophomore is a smart move. It's a fantastic opportunity to get a feel for standardized testing, pinpoint areas for growth, and build a strong foundation for your college application journey without the pressure of a "final" score. So, when the time comes, embrace the experience, do your best, and use the results to your advantage!