PSAT and SAT prep simultaneously?

[sandellie4]

Two of our DDs are preparing for the PSAT (took a practice one last year, in 10th grade) and the SAT (their first) this year. Is there any way to streamline the prep? As in, if you are prepared for the SAT, you're prepared for the PSAT? One of them scored National Merit last year (but was only in the 10th grade, so didn't qualify), but the other one is thinking about just doing the SAT this time (and I'm agreeing with her on this).

Sandy

[coopers5]

I'm not quite sure what you're asking - but, I would say, "yes" to the question about prepping for them the same. They really are the same test, with the exception of the essay on the SAT, of course. You want to be sure you're grading their writing thoroughly and having them write extensively; some people take special courses just for the essay prep. Whatever helps the most on that or works for your kids the best.

And, yes, take the SAT at least once the 11th gr. year (twice is better) but take that PSAT too, when it counts. For a 10th grader, I'd say that still taking the PSAT (especially when it doesn't cost as much as the SAT) is good - it's the same test, but some people think it's harder, in a sense, than the average SAT. Doesn't sound like it makes sense, but that's what many people feel.
It's another good chance to practice, in that kind of setting, completing a whole test in one sitting, etc. Maybe not a necessity, no, but I'd say, have a 10th grader run a few practice tests (SAT) at home - take PSAT - then take SAT later that year. Since the PSAT is sort of a "one shot deal" on the qualifying thing, that's why I guess I say take a "real" practice run of it. Does that make sense? It's not absolutely necessary to do it in 10th, but it could give them a slight edge perhaps. Same type of sections, but just slightly different from a SAT.

HTH!

[sandellie4]

You understood just fine -- thanks for your response! Now I can sit the girls down and we can discuss it, without my being in the dark about it. :-)

Sandy

[Sharon in MD]

I don't think there is any need to prep for them separately.

By the way....we just purchased Chalkdust's sat prep for math....ds hasn't tried it yet, but I've previewed it and I think it will be worth the $. We are really hoping and praying for some scholarship aid and I think this might be helpful for our son to boost him a little more.

Other than that we are using the Blue College board SAT practice test book and I think I'm getting rocket review for the rest.

I'd definitely encourage practicing the essay prompts from College boards practice tests, it really helped our son not feel as uncomfortable about the process.

[Kareni]

I agree with the others that prepping for the SAT will cover the PSAT also.

My teen found the Chalkdust SAT Math Review DVDs helpful.

Also, have your children do the (free) SAT Question of the Day. See: SAT Question of the Day (http://apps.collegeboard.com/qotd/question.do)

Regards,
Kareni

[sandellie4]

Thanks -- both of you. I think I'll look into Chalkdust....

sandy