How should a 9th grader prepare for the PSAT?

Question

How should an incoming 9th grader prepare for the PSAT when she hasn't yet taken Geometry and Algebra II? She will take Geometry this coming school year. She doesn't understand what is being asked or how to solve many of the math questions on PSAT practice tests.

Answer 1

Your child is not ready for the PSAT, and there is no good reason to take it as a 9th-grader. Some schools want 10th-graders to take it, but most important is to take it as a junior, when it also serves as a qualifier for the National Merit Scholarship. Also, since the spring semester of the junior year is the ideal time to take the SAT, taking the PSAT half a year before that is good experience. It will highlight areas that need attention.

Answer 2

I would say the only value in taking it could be to get a look at the types of questions that are on it, to see how the test is set up, and perhaps get an idea of the pacing that the student would need to follow in order to finish on time, as well as to see how well the student handles the Algebra I questions. Other than that, I see no point in the student taking the exam at this point; he or she needs more math "under their belt" for the PSAT to be really helpful, and, on top of this, if you have to PAY to take it, then I'd say, don't bother!