One of the reasons I haven’t been here in the blog world all that much, or commenting (sorry!) is because I’m studying… for the PSAT. It probably doesn’t seem to be that big of a deal for most of you, however, I’m becoming a little freaked out. Why?
- Math is my worst subject – I took a practice quiz tonight and got 18/36. Ouch.
- Alright, confession time. I’ve never, ever sat inside a classroom. In my entire life. I’ve got enough to worry about with the previous confession (math, *cough*), that I don’t need to be distracted by a new environment.
Although, these are not the scores that might or might not qualify me for the National Merit Scholarship. I’m definitely thankful for that (I’ll be taking that PSAT in the spring…). I’m issuing an official SOS here – does anyone have any advice or tips? Prayers would be appreciated as well.
Now, for the second part of my post. I’ve been considering participating in NaNoWriMo. In case you don’t know, NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month, where you write a 50,000 word novel from scratch in 30 days (Nov.). Exciting, huh?
However, I have one slight problem. It’s called time. I barely have time to sit and write this post, let alone write a 50,000 word novel in one month.
There is an alternative – NaNoWriMo has a Young Writers Program, where you can set a goal for yourself, then complete it in November.
- Realistically, it’s more doable than it’s sister program.
- Not-so-realistically, it’s not the same. You don’t have that extreme number of words to work up to, unless you set it for yourself. And that’s no fun, really.
So, what do you think? Should I just go for it and do
NaNoWriMo
or should I participate in
YWP – NaNoWriMo
I’m putting up a poll on the sidebar – go ahead and tell me what you think!
Farmgirl Writes 
I'm going to be studying for the PLAN test and I know what you mean. I have to study for math like crazy!!
I was considering going for NaNoWriMo, but now that you mention the YWP, I might do that instead. November is definitely going to be a BUSY month for me! So, maybe if I set a word count goal for say…half a novel, I can work towards that.
What do you think your goal is going to be Amanda? Maybe I'll do something like 30,000. That's 1000 words each day though… Hmm..maybe 25,000. 😛 It's more than I HAVE been writing, that's for sure. That's kinda why I want to do it. It might get me back into writing spirit. lol
Oh, and I'm studying for the PSAT too. But I'm not that nervous. The math seems really easy. But I'm going to do some practice sections today, and hopefully I'll do well enough on them. 🙂
I'm kinda taking a half-day from school, since it's Columbus Day. lol
First and best piece of advice with taking any standardized test – Stay Calm. The more you think about it, the more you're going to freak yourself out. Do some studying, do some review, take a few practice tests if you can. Though, honestly, staying calm is the most important. It's also the hardest. Remembering back to my PSATs (which is about four years ago) the math was pretty straightforward, the science was ridiculous.
As for the NaNoWriMo – I failed epically at it last year. But, in the end, what had started off as my NaNoWriMo turned into the basis for something bigger, a novel that I'd like to take my time with and that could be very worthwhile in the long run.
Hey Amanda! Sorry you're stressing over the PSAT, I understand! I took the SAT Saturday, and was far from calm (especially since my scores are getting sent to the NMSP people to see if I can go from semi-finalist to finalist, and I don't even know what those scores ARE!!!) X-(. As for the classroom aspect, when I was first taking driver's ed and the PSAT and had to go to my local high school, I was pretty nervous. I was nervous because I knew half the people in the room from when I went to public elementary school, and didn't like the majority of them. I got stuck next to jerks from the football team, one of whom I'd kicked between the legs in fourth grade, and it was not fun.
But anyway, my point is, the fact that you don't know these people and they don't know you gives you an advantage. Just enter confidently and don't care about anyone else. You are there to take that test and do your very best at it. The others in the room do not matter, they will leave your life once you've left that room, and so they shouldn't effect your performance on the test. Tips and advice; know that this test isn't the big one, just a trial run, and is an opportunity to learn the way it works and get used to the environment. Take a deep breath. Also (this is a part of the script they read off before the test) do not waste time on problems that seem far too difficult, move on and answer all those that you can before taking your time on a more complex problem. That little rule is important to keep in mind, especially in the math section. Beyond that, look at this PSAT as a learning experience, not just a test. I'm rooting for you girl!
~Elizabeth~
Elizabeth has some good advice! As far as the writing, NaNaWritaTooMuchaandGoBonka! There are only so many hours in the day!
Love,
The Shoe Princess
Good luck! I'll be praying. And btw, math is my low point too. That and science.
Amanda, my dear, relax when it comes to the PSAT. Take it from someone who's been taking standardized tests since third grade. They make a big deal out of it, but it's not.
Just do your best and go over your work.
Oh, and keep up a good pace, it is timed. But I like the timed part (compared to *gag* TAKS).
You'll do fine.
I saw that you were following Emily's Cancer Blog and I thought you might be interested in the month long fast that's going on over at Squeaks' blog, for Emily. You don't have to give up food, you can give up other things, like tv, Internet, email, or something you enjoy (like a soft drink)! If you're interested, you can read more about it here: http://squeakstheminstrel.blogspot.com/2010/10/op…
I know Emily and Squeaks would very much appreciate you participating! It starts tomorrow, so if you feel led to join, now is the time! 🙂
Love,
Eldarwen