PSAT 2-Week Bootcamp

Prepare for the PSAT with this intensive two-week bootcamp, designed to equip you with essential strategies and content knowledge across all sections of the test. Master effective techniques for reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics, and build confidence to achieve your best score. By the end of this course, you'll be ready to tackle the PSAT with a strategic approach and a solid understanding of key concepts.

PSAT Overview and Test Structure

• Understanding the PSAT format—sections, question types, and timing strategies
• Analyzing the digital PSAT—navigating the online platform and tools

Reading Comprehension Strategies

• Aggressive elimination techniques—identifying and discarding incorrect answer choices with confidence
• ICE method—Irrelevant, Contradictory, Extreme, Not answering the question
• Targeted reading approach—prioritizing questions before diving into passages for efficient information retrieval

Reading Question Types

• Main point questions—identifying the central argument or theme
• Function and structure questions—analyzing the purpose and organization of the text
• Evidence-based reading questions—locating specific textual support for answers
• Organization and synthesis questions—understanding relationships between different parts of a passage

Writing and Language Fundamentals

• Grammar essentials—mastering subject-verb agreement, verb tense, pronoun-antecedent agreement, and apostrophe usage
• Punctuation and sentence structure—understanding independent and dependent clauses
• Identifying question types—recognizing grammar vs. vocabulary questions for targeted approaches
• Vocabulary strategies—decoding word meanings and contextual usage

Math Problem-Solving Techniques

• Using answer choices as tools—strategically utilizing given options to solve problems efficiently
• Picking numbers—substituting values to test and eliminate answer choices
• Backsolving—working backward from the answer choices to find the correct solution
• Identifying clues—recognizing patterns and keywords that guide problem-solving

Algebra Fundamentals

• Multiplying by 1—simplifying expressions with multiple denominators and rationalizing denominators
• Distribution and factoring—expanding and simplifying algebraic expressions
• Solving equations—applying the same operations to both sides and eliminating variables
• Ratios and proportions—solving proportional relationships

Advanced Math Concepts

• Functions—evaluating and interpreting function notation
• Quadratic equations and parabolas—solving for roots using factoring, completing the square, and the quadratic formula
• Statistics and Geometry—interpreting data, calculating area, perimeter, volume, and applying geometric theorems