This is a practice test, so the only preparation I would do is to take a sample test once or twice at the dining room table. You can find them in Kaplan PSAT books at the library, and your school probably has them, too. (My son found an error in his Kaplan SAT prep test last year, so if your son gets an answer wrong, check the explanation which might be different than the answer key. Ugh.)
DS15 did great on the ACT (3 times, no writing) so I was surprised his SAT (through NUMATS) was not nearly as good; in fact, middle of the road. I asked about that here, and the answers were that it's a vey different kind of test from the ACT.
I've heard several time on this board that the ACT was better for their child and that surprised me. I always assumed that DS would do better on the SAT, he does test very well particular on the more 'abstract' stuff. My older daughter (not gifted) only took the ACT, she never took the PSAT since I saw no reason. She isn't gifted and doesn't test well so why take a test that's prime reason for taking these days is for national merit admission. On the other hand I always figured DS would within range of getting national merit level scores (although I might be wrong) therefore I do want him to take it and take it seriously.
Our school offers a SAT/ACT practice test in the spring that is helpful for seeing what test is best. I'm not sure how the changes to the SAT are going to affect what test will be better. I have been considering having my son take the SAT next fall in the old format.
My guess is that the writing part of the ACT or SAT will be hit or miss for him. He isn't good at deciding quickly what to write to a prompt. I'm going to have to decide if we want to request extra time through his 504 but that's unnecessary for the PSAT. Once he has an idea he writes quickly and quite well.
