Top Mistakes Sophomores Make Preparing for the PSAT

The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test, or PSAT, is a shorter, slightly easier version of the well-known college entrance exam known as the SAT. You'll take the PSAT digitally as a sophomore in high school, usually in October, under timed exam conditions. 

There are two main sections: Reading/Writing and Math. Both sections are scored out of 760 points, giving you a total possible score of 1520.

If you’re a tenth-grader, the PSAT is probably the first big standardized test you’ll take with really serious stakes. While it won’t influence your GPA, the PSAT affects you in other meaningful ways. 

• Practice for future exams: The PSAT gives you a low-pressure chance to practice for the SAT or ACT you take later.
• Scholarship opportunities: Through the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) partnership, high scorers can earn recognition and scholarships.
• Confidence-building: The test familiarizes you with timed conditions and helps you build test-day stamina for the future.

If you’re more of a numbers person, here’s the challenge: the average PSAT score is around 920; the top 1% score is around 1460 or higher (depending on the year). Top scorers earn national recognition, and in some cases, significant scholarship money.

Of course, you don’t need to “ace” the PSAT for it to be worthwhile. The real goal is to use it strategically. Sophomore scores help you understand what kind of prep is needed next year. In this article, we’ll look at the biggest mistakes sophomores make, and, more importantly, how you can avoid them. 

First, let’s talk about why sophomores tend to struggle with the PSAT the first time.

Sophomore year is already a busy time, and that reality shows up in PSAT prep. 

Here are some of the most common hurdles:

• Balancing new coursework with test prep: Tenth grade often comes with harder classes. Finding extra time to study for a test that doesn’t even count towards your high school transcript can feel low-priority and get pushed off.
• Limited exposure to standardized tests at this point: The PSAT might be one of the first national exams you’ve faced. Without experience, it’s easy to underestimate the pressure of timed conditions on test day.
• Misunderstanding the purpose: Some students ignore it altogether, thinking the PSAT doesn’t matter. Others overinflate its importance, treating it like a final SAT. Neither approach helps you perform your best.

At Empowerly, we see sophomores underestimate the PSAT every year. These early missteps often lead to predictable mistakes. The most important shift you can make? Your mindset. Instead of treating the PSAT like a one-shot pass/fail moment of panic, think of it as: 

• A free benchmark to see how you’re doing. 
• A chance to practice without college consequences.
• A smart warm-up to SAT success.

Reframing the PSAT this way consistently reduces pressure and, by extension, improves performance. Now that’s what I call a win-win.

Mistakes don’t mean failure, so if you see yourself in this list, remember: they’re lessons to be learned. Let’s break down the most common ones. 

All questions are weighted equally. That means a hard question is worth the same amount of points as an easy one. Students often spend too much time on one difficult question, leaving insufficient time for easier questions later in the test. Spending four minutes on a single math problem could cost you the chance to answer three questions you actually know for certain. 

Some students believe every question must have a complex answer. Others constantly change their answers, even when their first instinct was correct. Research shows that most initial answers are right, and unnecessary changes usually lower your score.

Not practicing regularly can lead to test-day surprises (not the good kind). Without consistent practice, you’re more likely to run out of time, misread instructions, or spend the whole time watching the clock. 

Skimming passages might feel efficient, but it usually leads to mistakes. Many reading comprehension questions hinge on small details. Missing a keyword or phrase can completely change the meaning. 

Another mistake is answering the questions in strict order. Students who get stuck on difficult questions (like we talked about earlier) miss the opportunity to collect easy and medium points first.

Some students assume that questions are arranged from easiest to hardest. While the digital PSAT does increase math difficulty as you progress, all questions are equally weighted. Wasting energy on “harder” problems doesn’t boost your score, unfortunately.

The PSAT isn’t a trivia context. Memorizing formulas or vocabulary lists might be impressive, but it won’t replace real understanding. Success comes from applying knowledge, not stockpiling random facts.

The good news? Every one of these mistakes is preventable with the right strategies.

Here’s how to sidestep the most common pitfalls:

Use a timer during practice sessions. Train yourself to move on if a problem takes too long. Return later if time allows. Your goal is to maximize total points, not conquer every single problem. 

Unless you see clear evidence that your first answer is wrong, try to stick with it. Don’t fall into the trap of second-guessing yourself.

Consistent, regular practice helps you become familiar with the test's format and content, improving your time management and confidence.

Slow down on reading passages. Underline important words and phrases. Remember: comprehension beats speed. This isn’t where you should save time.

Answer easy and medium questions first. Banking those points will raise your score more efficiently than wrestling with the hardest problem.

Understand that in the digital PSAT, math questions increase in difficulty, but all questions have equal point values. Be ready to adjust your pacing across sections.

Don’t prepare in isolation. Take advantage of free and paid resources, like online offerings, school programs, and test prep tutors, to maximize your readiness. For students who want more structured help, test prep tutors or school programs can make a difference. 

For free reading to get started, check out Empowerly’s Guide to High School Exams. It gives you a helpful primer on the big tests coming your way in the next few years. 

Let’s clear up a common myth: your PSAT scores are not sent to colleges. By the time you apply, colleges won’t know or care what you scored in 10th grade. 

So why bother? 

Because: 

• High scores can qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which awards about 7,500 scholarships each year.
• The PSAT sets the stage for SAT and ACT success. Students who can perform well on the PSAT tend to carry those skills into later testing.
• Confidence matters. A good PSAT experience can reduce stress before the higher-stakes exams in junior year.

And if you totally bomb it anyway?

Don't worry too much. You get a full reset next year. Many students score hundreds of points higher on their junior-year PSAT or the SAT itself. A “bad” sophomore PSAT score just means you now know what to focus on.

If you want to get ahead, here’s where to focus: 

• Math foundations: Make sure you’re solid on algebra and problem-solving.
• Vocabulary through reading: Regular reading builds comprehension and word familiarity naturally.
• Consistent study habits: Even short, frequent practice beats last-minute cramming.

Balance is crucial. Don’t let PSAT prep take away from your GPA, extracurricular activities, or sleep. Admissions officers care about your whole sophomore year, not just one test.

For a helpful checklist on everything you should be doing (in addition to test prep), check out our Sophomore Student Checklist and download your copy today.

Only seven days left to prepare for your PSAT? Here’s the emergency game plan for how to catch up to speed quickly: 

• Day 7-6: Take one full-length digital practice test
• Day 5-4: Review mistakes from the test, especially pacing issues
• Day 3: Do timed practice sections (Reading + Math)
• Day 2: Skim formulas + grammar rules; sleep on time
• Day 1: Light review only; pack your bag, relax, and rest!

Parents often wonder if they should push their child into PSAT prep classes. A better approach? Don’t make this another argument; focus on guiding, not pressuring.

Here’s how:

• Provide structure: Help set a realistic schedule for practice.
• Encourage without pressure: Celebrate effort, not just outcomes.
• Invest in support resources if needed: Whether it’s a prep book, online platform, or guidance from Empowerly, the right tools can significantly reduce stress.

Nope. Colleges will never see your PSAT scores. The only exception is if you become a National Merit Semifinalist or Finalist, in which case you might choose to highlight that honor on your application.

Both tests measure similar skills in math, reading, and writing. The main differences are: 

• The PSAT is shorter and slightly less difficult, intended for younger students.
• On the other hand, the SAT is used for college admissions.
• The PSAT is only offered in high school, while you can take the SAT multiple times before applying to college if you choose.

Anything above the national average (920) shows progress. Scores above 1200 indicate strong readiness for junior year SAT/ACT testing.

The PSAT uses a 320-1520 scale, combining Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (each section ranges from 160-760 points).

One thing at a time: start with the PSAT. It’s designed as preparation for the SAT. Building skills here will carry over naturally.

The PSAT won’t appear on your college applications, but how you prepare for it can shape your testing future. By steering clear of these common mistakes, you’ll build better skills that will last well beyond sophomore year. 

Think of the PSAT as both a practice round and a confidence check. The test is your opportunity to see where you stand and what to improve before the stakes get even higher.

Want more support? Book a consultation with Empowerly to continue the conversation about your testing strategy. Make sure you’re not leaving points on the table.