Common PSAT Mistakes Students Make and How to Avoid Them
Understanding PSAT Challenges
The PSAT is an important step toward college readiness and scholarship opportunities. Many students, however, make avoidable mistakes that affect their scores. Understanding these common pitfalls can help parents guide students toward more effective preparation and higher performance.
According to the College Board, students who practice with real PSAT questions and understand test strategies are more likely to improve scores and identify areas for growth.
(Source: College Board)
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Mismanaging Time
The PSAT is timed, with Reading, Writing, and Math sections each requiring careful pacing. Students who spend too long on a few questions may rush through others.
Solution: Practice under timed conditions, focusing on strategies for completing sections efficiently without sacrificing accuracy.
2. Not Reading Directions Carefully
Many students lose points by skipping instructions or misinterpreting questions.
Solution: Teach students to pause briefly to read directions before each section and understand what each question asks.
3. Overlooking Question Types
PSAT questions include multiple-choice, grid-ins, and data interpretation. Some students struggle with unfamiliar formats, especially in the Math section.
Solution: Provide targeted practice for each question type, ensuring students recognize patterns and understand how to answer effectively.
4. Ignoring Weak Areas
Students often focus only on their strengths and neglect weaker skills, leading to lower overall scores.
Solution: Analyze practice tests to identify weak areas and dedicate time to improving them before test day.
5. Relying Too Much on Guessing
Random guessing without using process-of-elimination strategies can lead to missed points.
Solution: Teach students to eliminate incorrect options and make educated guesses when necessary.
6. Lack of Familiarity with the Digital Format
The PSAT is now primarily computer-based, which can be unfamiliar for students used to paper exams.
Solution: Practice on digital platforms to become comfortable with scrolling, highlighting, and navigating between questions.
Benefits of Correcting These Mistakes
Avoiding these common mistakes can have a measurable impact on scores. Students gain:
Higher accuracy on Reading, Writing, and Math questions
Better time management, reducing test-day stress
Confidence in digital testing environments
Improved readiness for the SAT, since the PSAT mirrors its format and content
How Smart Push PSAT Boot Camps Help
At Smart Push Academic Coaching, our PSAT Boot Camps address these common mistakes through:
Two days of live virtual instruction (4 hours each, 8 hours total)
Hands-on practice with real PSAT questions and formats
Guidance on time management, reading strategies, and test navigation
Techniques for identifying and improving weak areas
By the end of the boot camp, students understand how to avoid common mistakes, perform with confidence, and leave test day prepared to maximize their scores.
Take Action Now
Avoidable mistakes should never prevent students from achieving their best results. Early, focused preparation through Smart Push PSAT Boot Camps ensures that students are ready, confident, and strategically prepared for success.
Reserve your student’s spot today at thesmartpush.com