Preparing for the PSAT/SAT in April
BY AVA MEI SOWERS
Everyone stresses over the PSAT/SAT in April. It’s where we take a test that can help us get into colleges or practice that test to get a high score as most colleges love to see high scores. But taking the PSAT/SAT is not like playing Pacman where you wing it and usually make the scoreboard, it takes effort, studying, and a lot of preparing to earn a good score on the PSAT/SAT. Here are a few ways to prepare for the upcoming test to make it less stressful and more beneficial.
Atmosphere
Where you study for these tests plays a big role in focusing and limiting distractions. Although studying at home may be easiest, there are distractions such as siblings, parents, pets, games, etc. I find that coffee shops are great to study in. I highly suggest Brewed Awakenings or Bean Barn. Coffee shops offer caffeine, food, and usually a quiet place to study. The only downside is that it can occasionally be loud unless you plug in some earbuds and listen to music. Rather than going to a cafe, you can also go to any public library. The local Coventry Library is great but if there are too many people there. I suggest the Warwick Library but both are equally quiet. If you decide to stay in, try getting comfy, making a drink or snack, plugging in some music, and getting to studying.
Background Noise
Personally, I love to listen to music constantly. With earbuds in, I listen to my favorite playlist of songs and blast it so I can’t hear anything else. Although it’s effective in blocking outside noise, I sometimes cannot focus as I get lost in the music. If you need white noise, I suggest listening to some playlists from Spotify. Under the Focus and Chill genre, there are various playlists consisting of background noise and sounds such as rain, ocean noise, instrumental pieces and more. There is even a “Stress Relief” playlist that I have yet to listen to, but I’ll be sure to test it and see if it truly relieves me of my stress.
Studying
PSAT practice guides/tests are given when you register to take the test and can be used to study, but for the SAT there are specific books that are recommended to use. Rather than buying an SAT prep book, Khan Academy offers free SAT questions and prompts along with CollegeBoard. Both sites offer free SAT prep and practice tests. For your own benefit and to retain the most information, make sure to take breaks between your studying. If working in groups is helpful, create a study group of some classmates to help you. Just make sure that you actually study and not just socialize.
Conquer the SAT’s
As a Junior, there is an SAT prep activity playlist. It was emailed to us and it’s supposed to help up prepare for the SAT and if we complete all the tasks before April 9th, then we can be dismissed early on prom day regardless of whether or not we will be attending the dance.
I wish everyone the best of luck in the PSAT or SAT!
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