List of Recommended PSAT Resources
By Matthew Bullington
There are a host of test-prep resources available. I have tried to make your search for the right tools easier through these recommendations and links. Remember, it is better to have one book that you actually read, use, and finish, than a stack of the best books available that intimidate you, are unread, and cost you a fortune.
The resources listed are recommended based on personal experience or research. I welcome any comments on the resources listed, or recommendations of other resources to include in this list. Please feel free to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it any comments or recommendations to me.
Special things to remember regarding the PSAT:
- PSAT stands for Preliminary SAT, so think about preparing for the SAT. If your goal is to be a National Merit Finalist then I would recommend a book or two specifically on the PSAT, otherwise SAT prep books will do just fine, especially if supplemented with some online PSAT materials (or purchase a book that covers both!).
- The PSAT and SAT were both recently restructured, so make sure that you purchase books that cover the new tests. The first restructured PSAT was given October 2004, and the first restructured SAT was given in March of 2005, so any books published prior to then, while they may be cheap, will not be the best choice (one primary difference is there was an extreme focus on vocabulary that has since been almost completely done away with).
Free Online Resources
- PSAT Study Guide from StudyGuideZone.com (requires Adobe’s free Reader to view, pre-installed on most computers)
- Online Study Center from LavaMind (great for generic prep for the ACT, PSAT, and SAT, covering study habits, grammer, and math)
Free Online Practice Questions and Tests
- Official CollegeBoard Practice Questions from Each Section
- Yahoo! Education Practice Questions and Tips
- Kaplan Free Practice Test and Strategies (see if available in your region)
- Princeton Review Online Practice Test and Other Tools
- Peterson’s Online Practice Test (requires free registration)
Books
- My general test-prep recommendations are for books by Kaplan (my favorite), Princeton Review, Barron’s, and the Official Guide. Specific books will be listed shortly.
Courses and Tutoring
- I do not recommend paying to take a course (in-person or online) or get private tutoring for the PSAT. Instead consider using those resources towards taking a prep course on the SAT.
