People often say that practice makes perfect. Well, when it comes to preparing for your SATs, PSAT is more like “practice makes progress” that gives you a sneak peek at what to expect for the SAT. Because of this, you’ll be able to see the parts you are already good at and the bits you need to work on.
A good PSAT score can also open doors that will lead you to opportunities like the National Merit Scholarship. But what is a National Merit Scholarship? I
t is basically a program that provides top-performing students with benefits like academic recognition that can lead to financial awards and even full-ride college scholarships.
Understanding the PSAT Scoring System
Just like in studying, the principle of breaking things down will help you understand how the PSAT scoring system works. The PSAT score system is scored on a scale of 320 to 1520. This scale combines two main sections.
EBRW
Evidence-based reading and Writing, or EBRW, is scored from 160 to 760. This is the section of the PSAT where your Reading, Writing, and Language are tested. And all of this will be combined into one score.
As for what to expect for the EBRW section of the exam, the reading section will test your knowledge about a variety of literature passages as well as history, sciences, and social studies.
Math
As for Maths, it is scored from 160 to 760. The scores for this section are the combination of two subsections: the Math with a calculator section and the Math without a calculator section.
Math will cover topics such as your standard problem-solving, geometry, trigonometry, algebra, and data analysis.
What are percentiles, and how does it relate to score performance?
To simplify, the percentiles show how you rank compared to other students who took the test. So, being in the 90th percentile means that you managed to score better than 90% percent of the students who took the PSAT, which puts you in the top 10% of the exam takers.
It is important to have a good understanding of how the PSAT scoring system works. By doing so, you give yourself the advantage of pinpointing the subjects you excel at as well as the subjects you need to put more effort into.
What is “Good” in terms of PSAT Scores?
The question of what is good in terms of PSAT scores may vary for each student. To know the answer to this question, you can ask yourself what your goal is. But there are general benchmarks that you need to consider:
- National Averages: When it comes to the national average, the PSAT scores are between 920 and 1000. Let’s say that you get a score around this average, which puts you at the level of most test-takers in the country.
- Competitive Scores: If you manage to score above 1100 to 1200, it means that you can qualify for good college admissions as well as scholarships. However, if you score above 1300, you can now qualify for the National Merit consideration. This will lead your college admissions to the best schools in the country.
Score to Aim For
- Above 1000: This score means you’re ready for college. This score also tells you that you are a little bit about the national average (920 to 1000). This score also tells you that there’s room for improvement.
- Above 1100: This score puts you in the top half of other test-takers, which also qualifies you for mid-tier colleges. It is also a good spot to boost your chances for scholarships. This score also makes you competitive enough for mid-tier colleges.
- Above 1200: This score not only shows your strong academic skills but also puts you above average. It also increases your chances for scholarships and higher-tier universities by improving more for your SAT.
- Above 1300: Lastly, this score shows that you are a top PSAT test taker, ready to aim for top universities. Depending on your state's cutoff, this score also qualifies you for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
National Merit Scholarship and State Cutoff Scores
Remember that this isn’t just any practice test; your scores can be a great advantage in qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship Program. This program works by recognizing the best-performing juniors based on the student’s Selection Index Score.
This score is calculated by taking your EBRW score and doubling it, which will be added to your math score later. But it doesn’t end there; high scorers are then granted two levels of recognition:
- Commended Student: This recognition is for students who scored high enough to be considered but unfortunately didn't make it to their state’s cutoff.
- Semifinalists: As for students in this category, they are the top 1% of students who took the test in their states. This puts them in the position to apply for the next level to become a finalist.
- Finalist: With this level of recognition, a student is now granted a chance to qualify for the scholarship. At this point in the program, students must now meet the academic, extracurricular, and essay requirements; to do this, students must stand out.
State Cutoff Scores
The state cutoff scores can vary based on the 1% of the test takers in that particular state; this result can affect the semifinalist applying for the scholarship program. Each year, these scores vary, but they typically range from 207 to 224. For example, the state of California is often considered highly competitive in this category, ranging from typically 221 to 223. At the same time, Wyoming, on the other hand, has a cutoff number close to 207. Another factor to be considered is the state cutoff number of test-takers.
Factors that Influence Your “Good” PSAT Score
Having a “good” PSAT score can depend on a lot of this. This includes factors like your college goals. Like your college goals, scholarship opportunities, and grade level. As freshmen, students will be expected to aim for 850 to 1000. And, of course, as you continue with your education, you can expect your scores to be higher. If you are aiming to be qualified for the National Merit, you have to exceed the above-average scores.
Improving your PSAT score
Wanting to improve your PSAT scores is not enough. To do this, you’ll need a combination of the right resources, practice, and focus. So, you can start by identifying your weak points and improving them through a diagnostic test. You can also make a personalized study plan and incorporate times practice tests; doing this will help you improve your pacing.
Recommended Study Resources
- Princeton Review PSAT Prep
- The Official SAT Study Guide (College Board)
- Kaplan PSAT Prep
- Park Tutoring
Online Tools
There are several online tools that you can use to personalize your study plans. You can try using apps like Quizlet to make studying fun and challenging while improving what you need to know.
Time Management
Cramming can also lead to a lot of stress, making it harder to remember important concepts. So, adding time management to your studies can help you reduce anxiety and stress. Keep in mind that preparation beats cramming any day.
Interpreting Your Results: The next steps
Planning the next steps with your PSAT score is important. Your total score and section scores for Math and EBRW are in it, as well as your percentile. Another great thing about this report is it shows a breakdown of your strengths and weaknesses. With your results, you can then identify the areas you need to focus on for the actual test.
After reviewing your report, you can now register for the SAT or ACT. To do this, you’ll have to visit their website and sign up. Their website will also give you information about the exams' schedules. Since SATs and ACTs are offered several times a year, you can choose the date that best works for you. After selecting the date, you’ve now given your designated test centre.
FAQ
What is the PSAT and what is it good for?
The Preliminary SAT or the (PSAT) is a standardized test that helps student practice and prepare for the SAT. This test aids students in assessing their academic skills through identifying the areas that are in need of improvement.
Who can take the PSAT?
PSAT is typically taken by students in the 10th and 11th grades, though students in the 9th grade can also choose to participate in taking this test
Why take the PSAT and is it different from SAT?
While the PSAT is generally easier compared to the SATs, it has a similar format that can guide students on what to expect when taking the SAT.
What are the benefits of taking the PSAT?
Other than it’s practice test purposes it can also help students to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program as well as other scholarships, which is beneficial for reducing college costs.
Conclusion
Your PSAT score is a great personal achievement and academic milestone. It also reflects your hard work and effort leading your way to academic success. Not only that! Your hard work can also be rewarded through scholarships and college admissions to great universities that can lead to even greater career prospects.
Your hard work and efforts shouldn’t end here. As they say, consistency is what transforms average into excellence. So just keep doing your best with your studies, set clear goals and continue learning and improving with Park Tutoring. With the combination of your PSAT and expert guidance a bright future will be ahead of you.