The PSAT Is Not Exactly a Practice SAT
The best way to begin a conversation about SAT prep is to already have a baseline score that turns a hypothetical conversation into a practical planning session. I can often sketch out a sensible plan without diagnostics but will, in some instances, recommend a practice test in Bluebook. This advice almost always makes sense, except at the beginning of the school year as October approaches: ME: “Have you considered having your son take a practice SAT?” PARENT: “Yes, we registered for the PSAT.” ME: “No, I mean a practice SAT.” PARENT: “Right, the PSAT.” ME: (⊙_◎) Perhaps the point is not obvious. The PSAT clearly provides some degree of practice for the SAT. However, beyond the picayune distinction that the P in PSAT stands for Preliminary, the PSAT is not exactly a practice SAT and does not provide all the benefits a perfect practice SAT can. CONTENT Every question on…
Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Scores
By mid-November, any student who took any version of the PSAT should have their scores back. But then what? The PSAT has no bearing on college admissions. In fact, colleges don’t ever see your scores. That doesn’t mean, however, that you cannot glean valuable information from your score report. This graphic from College Board’s comprehensive PSAT/NMSQT Understanding Scores for Students and Families document features the three most salient data points from the PSAT score report: Total score on the 320-1520 scale (360-760 Reading and Writing + 360-760 Math) RW and M section scores and percentile ranks A basic Knowledge and Skills analysis based on SAT content domains All of this information is valuable, especially if you know how to read percentiles in the context of standardized tests. The total score can be trusted as a fair indicator of how a tester might score on the SAT, assuming no other preparation…
When PSAT Scores Come Back
The beginning of December can be a very busy time for anyone connected with test prep or college planning. Why? That’s when students start to get their PSAT scores back and, consequently, when parents get to see their child’s PSAT scores. For many families, this marks the official beginning of a year or more of test-related angst and pressure. It doesn’t have to be that way. If you’re a parent who hasn’t yet learned what these scores mean and what your next steps should be, consider these tips to get you through the initial discovery of your child’s PSAT score: Other than for National Merit and related scholarship consideration, your child’s PSAT score means nothing! In fact, a 10th grader’s PSAT score is not even used for National Merit Scholarship competition. While the PSAT does offer a useful baseline to predict future SAT performance, it is, for all intents and purposes,…
The Perils of SAT Non-Submittal
No, this is not a post about test optional policies or the all-important relative advantages and risks of submitting scores in your college application. SAT non-submittal also describes a very real albeit exceedingly rare incident to look out for on test day. Once time is up on an official SAT or PSAT, test answers are automatically submitted and test takers will see the Congratulations screen with confetti: However, if students are not connected or they close their laptop, their answers won’t be submitted automatically. Luckily, their answers will be saved on their device and can still be submitted, as long as the appropriate steps are taken. If the student sees the dreaded Answer Submission Incomplete screen or an internet connection error message when their testing time ends, they should communicate with their proctors and try the following steps from the SAT Suite of Assessments Technical Troubleshooting Guide in order: 1.…
Why Take the PSAT?
This time of year finds us answering a lot of questions about the PSAT, from parents eager to arrange prep to others wondering if their teens should take the the October test at all. And, really, the question deserves consideration. Just about every high school has its juniors, and sometimes even sophomores, sit for the PSAT. Schools have good reason to administer these tests, thanks to the wealth of score data the College Board sends back. But is the test worth any single student’s time? Why take the PSAT? The College Board has historically promoted many benefits to taking the PSAT, but only a couple of them seem persuasive. Consider each one: Discover Your AP® Potential BAD IDEA, at least if you are already a junior. By that time, qualified students with access are already enrolled in several AP classes. 10th graders who haven’t already tried AP European or World…
Parent Seminar: Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Scores
The 2023 PSAT/NMSQT was unlike any other with the introduction of the new digital, adaptive format. What does that mean for PSAT scores and what they can tell us about future testing and college success? Let nationally recognized and respected educator Mike Bergin help you understand just what your teen’s PSAT score means in terms of all the factors that matter: How can a student improve in each area of need? Does a PSAT score define your SAT destiny? Could the ACT be a better option based on PSAT scores? What scores might lead to National Merit Scholarship recognition? What can PSAT scores illustrate about success in college? What can’t PSAT scores tell you? 2023 PSAT scores will be released on November 6 or November 16, depending on when in October a student tested. Based on this, we’re offering two different seminar dates: — November 9, 6:30-7:30pm ET —…