Every fall, the same questions fill the PSAT forums, and parents ask them too. Should you even study? Where do you start? Do practice tests match the real thing? Each of these problems has a practical fix.
Problem 1: Not sure whether you are supposed to study at all
Many students walk in cold because nobody tells them how seriously to take the PSAT.
“Are you supposed to study for the PSAT”
— r/highschool post title, view the thread
The fix: you don’t need months of prep, but a little preparation goes a long way, because the PSAT is a skills test. The same few skills come up again and again, so reviewing them in short sessions pays off. In the weeks before the test, ten minutes a day with flashcards is more useful than one long cram session. Repeated recall (practice testing and spaced practice) is rated a high-utility study technique in learning research (Dunlosky et al., 2013).
Problem 2: Not knowing what to focus on
The PSAT has two sections, Reading and Writing, and Math, and it is easy to spend all your time on the one you already like.
“PSAT studying math or english”
— r/highschool post title, view the thread
The fix: take one practice test, see which section is weaker, and use flashcards to close the gaps in both. Good cards turn a rule into something you can recall quickly. Here are two real cards from our PSAT deck, one for each section:
Active vs. Passive Constructions (Standard English Conventions)
Active constructions emphasize the subject performing an action, while passive constructions focus on the action being performed on the subject. Identify the subject-verb relationship to determine the construction. Example: The cat chased the mouse (active) vs. The mouse was chased by the cat (passive).Absolute Value Equations (Algebra)
Equations that contain an absolute value expression, such as |x| = a. Solve by setting up two cases: x = a and x = -a. Example: |x| = 5 leads to x = 5 and x = -5.
Problem 3: Practice tests that don’t feel like the real test
The PSAT is taken on a computer and adjusts as you go, so what you see in the second half depends on how you did in the first. That uncertainty shows up in what students ask each other.
“I know the tests aren’t going to be the same but does anyone remember what math topics were discussed on the second module last few questions”
— r/PSAT comment, view the comment
The fix: you can’t predict which topics will appear, so don’t try. Build solid basics across every topic instead. Use official practice tests from College Board to get used to the format and timing, and use flashcards to cover every topic area evenly, including test strategy.
Problem 4: Pressure around scores and National Merit
For juniors, the PSAT/NMSQT is also the first step toward National Merit recognition, and the cutoff scores differ from state to state. Students compare their numbers constantly.
“PSAT NMSQT Indexes By State (Post only if you’re notified)”
— r/PSAT post title, view the thread
The fix: start earlier and review a little at a time, so the test isn’t a last-minute scramble. Flashcards are easy to carry and take only a few minutes, and daily review adds up over weeks.
Ready to try it?
- Check out the format: download the free sample files to see how our printable PDFs, interactive HTML app and Anki decks look. The sample is a general example deck on a different topic.
- Want a PSAT deck made for you? Order custom flashcards on our Fiverr gig: printable PDFs, an offline HTML app and Anki decks built around your topic.
- Need something specific? Order a custom bundle built around your topic.
Quotes are public posts and post titles from the PSAT and high school communities on Reddit, shown with links to the original threads. They are not endorsements, and we are not affiliated with Reddit or the posters. Our flashcards are generated with AI and reviewed by a person before delivery. Treat any study aid as a supplement and check anything important against College Board’s official materials. PSAT/NMSQT® is a registered trademark of the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. MyFlashDecks is not affiliated with or endorsed by either organization. Study-technique reference: Dunlosky, Rawson, Marsh, Nathan & Willingham (2013), “Improving Students’ Learning With Effective Learning Techniques,” Psychological Science in the Public Interest.