Using an Error Log (Module 3 lesson 3)

 

Keeping track of your mistakes is one of the most efficient ways to plan targeted test prep. 

I have made a template of a DIGITAL ERROR LOG in google sheets that you can use. Just make a copy of the document and then you can personalize it and use it to keep track of the results of your study session.

Keeping tack of errors and taking time to reflect on why you missed a specific question can help you to figure out what to study next. 

Use this error log for 1 week while you follow the study plan that you developed in the last lesson. You need to complete at least 5 error log entries in a week and then complete a reflection based on the summary results on the second tab of the error log.

When you have completed the error log, you can use the summary tab to understand patterns in your log. When you have a written reflection, you will need to schedule a check in with me in person or virtually so that we can talk about how you can use your error log to revise your plan for week 2. 

Developing a Study Plan (Module 3 lesson 2)

Developing a detailed and specific study plan can help you to achieve your PSAT goals. 

You may use AI to help you plan, but you will need to give it detailed and specific information. 

When I asked chatgpt to make a study plan for me, this is the result: 

I can definitely help with that—but I’ll need a bit more detail to make the plan actually useful (and not just a generic template).

Can you share a few specifics from your previous PSAT results?

• Your section scores (Reading/Writing and Math)
• Any subscores or skill breakdowns (e.g., algebra, grammar, vocabulary, data analysis)
• Question types you tend to miss (e.g., timing issues, careless errors, specific concepts)
• Your target score (if you have one)
• How much time you can realistically study each day this week

If you don’t have all of that, even a rough description like “strong in math, weak in grammar and timing” works.

Once you send that, I’ll build you a focused 7-day plan with:

• Daily tasks (not just “study math,” but exactly what to do)
• Time estimates
• Practice + review structure (this is where most score gains actually happen)
• A mini full-length simulation if it fits your schedule

Right now, without your data, I’d risk giving you a plan that feels productive but doesn’t move your score much—so send what you’ve got and we’ll make it targeted.

So try to give it as much specific information as possible about what time of when, where and how much you can study as well as the date of the test and your goals.

It should remember any data that you gave it in a previous conversation. This will help you to build a more complete plan based upon your previous results. 

Think about how much time you can devote to PSAT preparation and when you can fit it into your existing routine. Once you make a detailed and specific plan, use your planner and schedule a reminder on your phone to help you stick to the plan. 

Here is a checklist for your 1 week study plan

My plan includes: 

• daily tasks
• time estimates
• targeted skill focus
• review strategies

Use the comment feature on this post to share your plan with me. Make sure it addresses each part of the checklist

Overview of the PSAT (Module 3 lesson 1)

Before you start studying for the PSAT, it is important to have an idea of its purpose, design and the content that it covers. As you review the STUDENT GUIDE, here are a few things you will notice:

1. You will use the bluebook app to take the test. You can download now to access practice tests, or view the sample material to become familiar with the format and questions types
2. Section 1 is reading with 54 questions in 54 minutes
• Section 1 includes 4 types of questions
• Information and ideas
• Craft and structure
• Expression of ideas
• Standard English conventions
3. Section 2 is math with 44 questions in 70 minutes
• Section 2 includes 4 types of questions
• Algebra
• Advanced math
• Problem solving and data analysis
• Geometry and trigonometry
• You will be able to use the DESMOS scientific calculator on the entire math section

On page 10 of the STUDENT GUIDE, you will find details each section and a question distribution

The test is adaptive, this means that the second part of each section may be different depending on how well you do on the first part

Start by looking at your score report and your AI analysis from the last lesson to identify your two weakest areas. You can use the page tabs along the top border to find specific study resources for each question type. 

When you think that you understand the basic structure and format of the PSAT, use this PSAT KAHOOT to measure your knowledge: 

Developing a Plan (Module 2)

Student learning objective:

Evaluate your PSAT scores to identify areas of strength as well as areas for potential improvement and use this data to develop an individual plan

Student digital learning objective:

Use Microsoft Copilot, Chat GPT or another large language model (LLM) to evaluate your test results and develop a short term study plan using ethical guidelines for generative AI use. 

 

The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) is also a National Merit Scholarship Qualifying test (NMSQT).

Students with high scores might qualify for recognition as a National Merit Scholar. This recognition has three levels based upon a student's selection index:

Commended Scholars (approximately 34,000 students each year)

Semi Finalists (approximately 16,000 students each year)

Finalists (approximately 15,000 students each year)

Your eligibility is determined by your test score when you take the PSAT during your junior year. The cutoff for commended scholars is the same for all students, but each state will have its own selection index for semifinalist/finalist status.

In 2026 the cutoff off for Commended Scholars was 210

The cutoff for semifinalists in the state of Florida was 219

In order to assure that students from all states are equally represented, each state will have a selection index determined each year by the scores of the juniors who took the test in that state. This creates a range of scores for different states ranging from 212 in Oklahoma to 225 in Massachusetts.

Your selection index is your verbal score times two plus your math score, all divided by 10. You should be able to see this selection index on your PSAT score report.

1. Start by downloading the college board app for your phone or logging in to your college board account to view your score report.
• There are several useful apps that you may want to use located on the Test Prep Apps page (look under the top banner for tabs that link to pages with resources for this course) 
2. Next, consider how you can use artificial intelligence ethically to help develop a study plan based on your results. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and LLM tools are powerful and have the potential for transformation. In education, using these tools ethically is critical for academic integrity. 

• Using AI to generate content which you claim as your own is plagiarism. When another person or tool is used to create content, you can not claim it as your own.
• Using AI to replace your own thinking and analysis can leave you unable to think critically.
• AI will not be there to take the PSAT for you
• Therefore, it is important that you use it as a tool to help you plan and organize rather than to generate answers or solve problems.

I asked Microsoft copilot to design a prompt that you could use to identify your own strengths and weakness. I did this by typing in the following prompt: 

"Please generate a prompt that students can use to analyze their PSAT scores and identify strengths and weaknesses in order to improve performance"

This is what it generated: 

🎯 AI Prompt for Students to Analyze Their PSAT Scores

Copy and paste this into your AI tool:

“I want to analyze my PSAT score report. Here are my scores, subscores, and any question‑level feedback I have. Please identify my strengths and weaknesses and explain what patterns you notice in my performance.

My PSAT Scores:

• Reading & Writing: ____

• Math: ____

My Subscores:

• Command of Evidence: ____

• Words in Context: ____

• Standard English Conventions: ____

• Algebra: ____

• Advanced Math: ____

• Problem Solving & Data Analysis: ____

• Geometry/Trigonometry: ____

My Question‑Level Patterns:

• Questions I missed: ____

• Types of mistakes (timing, content gaps, misreading, etc.): ____

Using this information, please:

1. Identify my strongest skill areas and explain why they appear strong.

2. Identify my weakest skill areas and explain what specific patterns suggest these weaknesses.

3. Recommend targeted practice strategies for each weak area.

4. Suggest a 1–2 week study plan based on my performance.

5. *Explain how improving these areas could raise my overall score and Selection Index.”

 

Use this prompt, or one similar to it to develop your own study plan based upon your PSAT score report.

Video for Module 2 discussion

 

https://canva.link/yi6eb1iguqu9oo2

Welcome

Welcome to your self‑paced PSAT Prep Course!  This is a space designed to help you take control of your own learning, build confidence, and prepare for success on the digital PSAT. This is not a traditional class with weekly assignments or deadlines. Instead, this hub gives you the tools, strategies, apps, and targeted workflows you need to create a personalized study plan that fits your goals and your schedule.

Whether you’re preparing months in advance or planning a quick sprint before the exam, this site will guide you step‑by‑step through the skills, resources, and practice tools that matter most.