PSAT 8-9 Test Prep Checklist

This PSAT 8-9 is coming up in October. Is your 8th-grader ready?

Illinois schools switched to this test in 2018 to help determine students’ high school class placement. In other words, your student’s performance on this test contributes to whether she will take advanced classes or general classes in high school, namely math and English.

Preparing for this test takes time and, often, help from someone familiar with the test format and content. Help your student do his best by sitting down with him and making a study plan – no cramming, no stress.

To study, he can review class notes, browse sample questions online or work with a tutor to master test concepts and take real practice tests. We strongly recommend your student take some real PSAT 8-9 practice tests so she becomes familiar with how the test is set up, what type of questions she will see and how much time she will have on each section.

Now is the time to start studying, and test day is right around the corner. Here’s a checklist for you and your student in the days leading up to the PSAT 8-9 – and the big day itself!
 
☐ Review corrected tests, homework assignments and class notes from math class – including those from 7th grade. This is a great way to jog the memory and prepare for the test, as the test content is very similar to class content.
 
☐ Review parts of speech and grammar rules. Students likely spend most of their time in English class reading and practicing composition. This makes it easy to forget grammar and mechanics. IXL.com is a great way to review these concepts. Every iLearn Academy student has her own IXL login – ask your tutor if you don’t know the username or password!
 
☐ Take a full-length practice PSAT 8-9 with a timer and correct any missed questions. These tests can be hard to track down – talk to your child’s tutor if you’d like help with test prep materials.
 
☐ Make a test day kit or baggy with two sharpened no. 2 pencil with erasers and an approved calculator. Any standard calculator or graphing calculator will be fine. However, any calculator that accesses the Internet, makes noise, has a QWERTY keyboard, uses a stylus or contains paper tape is not allowed. (This includes laptops, cellphones and smart watches.)

☐ Make sure your student does not bring a recorder, compass, protractor, ruler, highlighter, colored pen or pencil, scratch paper, dictionary, snack or drink.
 
☐ Get a good night’s sleep the day before the test, eat a breakfast with protein and drink plenty of water. This helps your student’s brain stay sharp and focused.
 
☐ Standardized tests can be stressful, especially when the results feel important. It’s nice to remind your student that he is loved no matter what he scores – and that you have confidence in his abilities. Remember: grades and teacher recommendations also play a role in class placement, so this test is not the be-all-end-all!
 
iLearn Academy’s test prep program uses real test materials and expert instructors to help your student achieve her best possible score. If you’d like our help making a test prep plan, choosing the right materials and filling in any gaps in your student’s learning, call 847-834-0791 today and ask about our proven PSAT 8-9 program.