As a middle school student, you’re exploring extracurricular activities and academic electives for the first time. In high school, you’ll have even more choices, including those impacting your future. One choice involves applying to college. As a 7th or 8th grader, that may seem a long way off. However, thinking about your future now has many benefits. One step you can take today is starting ACT prep for middle school or creating a PSAT 8/9 plan.
In this article, we’ll discuss these two standardized tests and help you create a study plan. Before diving into the test, let’s talk about the value each one offers.
The Value of Starting ACT Prep for Middle School or Creating a PSAT 8/9 Plan
What is the difference between PSAT and PreACT?
Although different, both tests offer youthe same value. Taking either can help you:
· Identify academic strengths andweaknesses.
· Improve time management andtest-taking skills.
· Learn what to expect on thereal ACT or SAT.
If you’re wondering which test to take,here’s a unique benefit each one provides.
· PreACT 8/9: You receive careersuggestions with your results.
· PSAT 8/9: You receive a list of AdvancedPlacement classes you might enjoy in high school.
Now that you know why it’s important totake the PSAT 8/9 or PreACT 8/9, let’s talk about what’s on these two tests.
The PSAT 8/9: The Basics
When you take the PSAT 8/9, you’ll get an insider’s view into what’s on the real SAT.
Note: Nearly all questions are multiple choice. However, a few math questions will ask you to type your answer.
Reading and Writing
The 54 Reading and Writing questions will ask you to read a series of passages. These passages may include an excerpt from a:
• Short story or novel
• History lesson
• Scientific text
Questions related to these passages will assess whether you can:
• Understand a text’s purpose
• Make connections between ideas
• Identify how words are used in context
• Make inferences about a text
• Identify and correct grammatical mistakes
• Rearrange words/phrases to improve flow
Math
You’d expect the math section to be just a bunch of equations. However, that is not the case. About 22 of the questions are based on reading passes, such as real-life situations where people need to use their math skills. This feature makes the math section of the PSAT 8/9 just as much as a reading test as a math test.
That said, here’s what the Math section covers:
• Algebra
o Linear equations and functions
• Advanced Math
o Equivalent expressions
o Nonlinear functions
• Problem-Solving and Data Analysis
o Inferences
o Probability
o Ratios
• Geometry and Trigonometry
o Area and volume
o Lines and angles
o Triangles and circles
NOTE: Don’t fret if many of these terms are unfamiliar. For that reason, you may want to hold off on taking the PSAT 8/9 until you’re close to finishing Algebra I.
The PreACT 8/9: The Basics
As the name suggests, ACT developed the PreACT for 8th and 9th graders. ACT also offers the regular PreACT, which is a little harder and designed for 10th graders.
NOTE #1: Unlike the real ACT that uses a score range of 1–36, the PreACT 8/9 uses a score range of 1–30.
NOTE #2: Unlike the PSAT 8/9, the PreACT 8/9 uses only multiple-choice questions
Let’s dive into what the four sections cover.
English
English questions assess knowledge/skills related to:
• Standard English conventions
• Knowledge of language
• Writing clearly
Math
Math questions assess knowledge/skills related to:
• Basic algebra
• Functions
• Number and quantity
• Basic Geometry
• Basic statistics and probability
• Essential math skills
Reading
Reading questions assess knowledge/skills related to:
• Identifying key ideas and details in a passage
• Integrating new knowledge and ideas
• Analyzing a text’s craft and structure
Science
Science questions assess knowledge/skills related to:
• Interpreting data
• Analyzing experiments
• Investigating problems
Creating a Study Plan
Now that you know about the tests’ structure, let’s explore how to do ACT prep for middle school or create a PSAT 8/9 plan.
Step #1: Choose which test you want to take.
As we’ve already discussed, the PreACT 8/9 presents less of a challenge than the PSAT 8/9. For that reason, you might want to start with it. However, as a middle school student, you’re more focused on career and course recommendations than earning the best score. Taking either test is 100% fine at this point.
NOTE: Try not to focus on both tests at the same time. You’ve probably got a lot of other stuff going on with school and extracurriculars. You don’t want to feel overwhelmed.
Step #2: Attempt practice questions (or a full-length practice test).
If you’ve decided to try the PSAT 8/9, you can take a computerized, full-length practice test on the College Board website. You’ll need to create an online account before accessing the test.
While testing:
• Minimize distractions
• Don’t rush
Unfortunately, ACT does not provide a full-length PreACT 8/9 practice test you can take online. However, you can still find relevant practice questions on the ACT website, as well as many other helpful resources that can prepare you for test day.
As you attempt practice questions, don’t forget to follow the same advice as above. Limiting distractions will provide the most accurate results.
Step #3: Analyze your results (and make a plan for improvement).
If you took a practice PSAT 8/9, the results will clearly show where you are strong academically and where you could improve. Here are a few suggestions to improve your score:
• Use free resources, such as Khan Academy.
• Go to your teacher for extra help.
• Ask peers to tutor you.
• Work with a Rise Crimson Education expert.
Even though you won’t receive a detailed score report by taking practice PreACT 8/9 questions, the experience will still teach you a lot. Make a note of questions that frustrate or puzzle you. If you note each time this happens, you will discover what subjects are giving you the most trouble.
As you prepare, set some time aside each day to review material. Thirty minutes each day should be enough.
Step #4: Get ready for test day.
Starting ACT prep for middle school or creating a PSAT 8/9 plan requires developing a test-ready mindset. You want to make sure that you:
• Get enough sleep
o That means no staying up late the night before the test.
• Eat something the morning of the test
o You don’t want to feel tired or sluggish halfway through.
• Think of something fun to do after the test
o Doing so will help you feel less nervous.
There’s lot of other things you can try to feel your best on test day. A positive attitude will help you get the best score possible.
Questions and Answers
Which test should I take PreACT or PSAT8/9?
The answer depends 100% on you. As we discussed, the math section on the PreACT 8/9 is a little easier than what’s on the PSAT 8/9. You might want to tackle the PreACT 8/9 in the 8th grade and the PSAT 8/9 in the 9th grade. However, it all depends on which test you feel most comfortable taking.
How do I motivate myself to prepare for PSAT?
You need to set a few goals. The best way is to get out a calendar. Set dates for choosing a test, taking a practice test, reviewing the results, and creating an improvement plan. Give yourself enough time to meet these goals while also completing your schoolwork.
Are there free test prep resources for PSAT 8-9?
Yes. Besides Khan Academy, ACT and the College Board provide many free resources to help you prepare for test day. You can review practice questions, learn more about the test format and experience, and explore tools you will need on your path to high school and college. These and other resources can help you start ACT prep for middle school or create a PSAT 8/9 plan.
Once I take the PSAT or PreACT test, what do I do with the results?
The results will help you identify your academic strengths and areas of improvement. You can use this information to:
• Choose which honors classes you will take as a high school freshman.
• Seek out support for your areas of improvement.
• Focus less on content and skills that you’ve already mastered.
If you have questions about your results, you can review them with a parent, teacher, or guidance counselor.
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