Now that you’ve completed your PSAT and received your scores, what’s next? First, you will need to look at what the PSAT score report means and also how those scores relate to the SAT or ACT. These scores should not change who you are. In other words, high scores do not necessarily translate to guarantees of admission or scholarships, while less-than-desirable results do not limit your chances. It is advisable to use what you learn from the results to organize an effective prep plan.
What do your PSAT scores mean?
On your PSAT report, your scores for Critical Reading, Mathematics and Writing Skills are reported on a scale from 20 to 80 points for each section. In total they range from 60 to 240, which are also referred to as your Selection Index (S.I.) and used for scholarship entry by the National Merit Scholarships Corporation (NMSC). The national percentile located just below your S.I. tells you how your scores compare with those in your grade level who took the PSAT/NMSQT that year. For example, if you have a percentile of 70, this means you have performed better than 70 percent of those who took this particular test.
The PSAT scores parallel those on the SAT, which scores between 200 and 800 on each section of the test. A great way to predict how you will do on the SAT is by simply adding a ‘0’ to the end of your PSAT score. In other words, you could translate your PSAT score of 65 (out of 80) in Critical Reading, for example, to an SAT score of 650 (out of 800) to get a good idea of how you might do in this section. Please note that the SAT tests cover curriculum topics slightly beyond those tested on the PSAT.
Armed with this information, you can begin to look at the range of SAT scores for admitted students reported by the institutions that might interest you. Focus on the places where your projected result would place you in the top half of the scores reported. You can also plan your prep schedule based on your strengths and weaknesses as shown in your individual scores.
What are your next steps?
Now that you have had an initial run through the PSAT, you’re ready to prepare for the SAT. In the coming months, especially for Grade 11 students, you can practice on SAT and ACT test questions to familiarize yourself with the rigour of the content and demand of the test time limit.
Options Solutions offers a number of SAT and ACT practice mock exams starting in January 2014, and various SAT and ACT Prep workshops to help you perform your best and to assist you in reaching your maximum score. Please contact us at 604-922-8456 or email us at info@options-wp.chhdev.com for more information.
