October Is a Great Time to Focus on the PSAT, SAT, and ACT
For many high school students, October is PSAT/NMSQT season, while others may be preparing for an upcoming SAT. Whether you’re taking your first standardized test, preparing for an upcoming exam, or working toward a higher score, October is a good time to evaluate your preparation and make a realistic study plan.
Preparing for the PSAT/NMSQT
If you have an October PSAT/NMSQT coming up, it can be a valuable opportunity to practice skills tested on the SAT and, for eligible juniors, compete for recognition through the National Merit Scholarship Program. Start by taking a full-length practice test under realistic conditions. Look beyond your overall score to review your performance by skill and question type. Did you struggle with certain math concepts, run out of time, or misread questions? Prioritize your weakest areas and spend time reviewing concepts you consistently miss, reinforcing them with targeted practice questions. For each missed question, understand why your answer was wrong and why the correct answer works.
Reviewing mistakes systematically can help you recognize patterns and make your preparation more effective. Because the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT assess many of the same skills, what you learn from the PSAT/NMSQT can also help guide future SAT preparation.
Preparing for the SAT and ACT
Unlike the PSAT/NMSQT, which is generally administered in the fall, the SAT and ACT are offered on multiple dates throughout the year. If you are preparing for one of these exams, use practice tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses and build a realistic study schedule around your test date.
It is also important to understand the testing policies at the colleges you are considering. Some colleges require SAT or ACT scores, while others recommend submitting scores or allow students to apply without them. Policies vary by institution and can change, so check each college's admissions website to determine whether testing is required, recommended, or optional.
Prepare for Test Day
Finally, before test day, double-check the essentials: your test date, location, arrival time, ID requirements, and permitted materials, including an approved calculator. Make sure your device is fully charged if needed, and get a good night’s sleep. Preparing these details in advance can help you arrive focused and confident.
Whether you’re taking the PSAT/NMSQT in October or preparing for an SAT or ACT later in the year, use standardized testing as an opportunity to build skills and develop effective test-taking strategies.
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