PSAT

The PSAT, PSAT test prep and PSAT test score importance

Studying for the PSAT

Are you planning to take the PSAT? If so, then you many want to know more about the PSAT and PSAT scores as well as how you can study for your own PSAT. The PSAT or preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is given by the same organizations that give the SAT, the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). This is a standardized test that is given as practice for the SAT. It is also used for other methods of evaluating where a student is academically compared to other students of that same grade level. It can also evaluate where you stand regarding college entry and scholarship qualifications.

PSAT scores give you a very good general idea of what you can expect to make on your actual SATs. They are also excellent practice for the SAT because you gain first-hand knowledge and experience of what will be on the SAT tests so they help you prepare with a "hands-on" approach. PSAT test results are also given in the same way that the SAT test results are given so you will understand. The PSATs are given every year, often at many high school campuses to make it easier for high school students to enroll and take the test.

What Does the PSAT Test For?

The PSAT test measures your critical reading skills, writing skills and also your math problem-solving skills. Taking it also gives you a chance to enter the scholarship programs given by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Your PSAT score can help determine your likelihood of getting a particular scholarship or being eligible for a scholarship. The skills that the PSAT will test for are based on things that you have learned throughout your years both inside and outside of school. Some are intellectually based and others are based on common sense knowledge that you learn and develop as you grow older.

PSAT test scores can help you determine where you rate in regards to these skills. You can receive feedback on both your strengths and your weaknesses as related to college study. By taking the PSAT you can see how you would perform on a college admissions test and also how you compare to others who may be applying to the same college with the same tests. Many college entry boards use these test scores to see how you compare with other possible entrants. A good score combined with a great school history and other factors can help you gain entrance to the college of your choice.

Are you feeling nervous about taking your test? Are you wondering what you can do to help you get a good score on the PSAT? How can you get ready for the PSAT? PSAT practice tests are a great way for you to prepare for the PSAT.

Although the PSAT is more about testing your skills and how you apply them and not specifically recalling facts from your classes and textbooks, it is impossible to memorize answers for the PSAT. However, there are ways to study and practice. PSAT preparation is more about learning what you can expect and

PSAT Scoring

PSAT scoring is done in the same way that SAT scoring is done which means you get prepared for what the SAT will be like right in the beginning. The PSAT will give you score reports on three different scores from a scale of 20 to 80. One is for critical reading, one for math and one for your writing section. The average score for students in the eleventh grade (average grade of taking the test) is 49. You will also get a Selection Index on your score report which will be used to determine your eligibility to certain scholarship programs from the NMSC. This Selection Index ranges from 60 to 240 and is taken from adding all three scores together. You will have to be in the 11th grade to enter the scholarship programs so even if you take the PSAT at 10th grade, you will have to take it again in 11th to enter the scholarship programs.

In addition to your Selection Index, you will also receive percentiles from your score reports. These percentiles compare your score to that of other people in your grade level who have take the PSAT as well. If you score a 90% that means you are in the top 90% of test takers in your grade or that you scored higher that 90% of the other test takers. You can visit the College Board website to find out more about the PSAT and scoring.

PSAT Practice

PSAT practice can be done with a PSAT study guide, with friends and other people planning to take the PSAT, with family members that help you study or even an older sibling that has taken the test before. You can search the internet for a lot of great information on how you can study for the PSAT and what tools and resources are available to help you. There are books that can be found in your local library and local bookstores and you may even be able to find some study guides in used book stores that will help you and cost less. There are many practice questions online that give you an idea of the questions you will see on the real PSAT and help you feel more confident on test day.

Remember in addition to studying beforehand that you should also eat a healthy breakfast and get plenty of rest before your exam. Make sure that you are feeling well and that you are ready to take the test. But you should also remember that this is not the end of the world if you did not score as high as you had hoped. You can always retest and this is also more a test to evaluate what you need to work on your last year at high school. You want to do your best so that it is accurate but you need to know that your PSAT scores alone do not determine your future fate or college options.