Many high school sophomores and juniors recently received their PSAT scores. Some probably looked at their score sheet, shrugged their shoulders, and closed their laptops. Others may have excitedly printed out the report and scoured their score sheet, trying to gauge how well they did. Those students might be asking, “Am I a National Merit Scholarship contender?” and “Will my SAT scores be close to what I need for my first choice college?”
What do your PSAT scores mean
PSAT scores are going to mean different things to different students. Some students will use the score to determine how much time they’ll need to spend preparing for the SAT. Other students will use the scores to begin looking at colleges and will select colleges that fall within their predicted SAT score ranges. Either way, the PSAT can be a valuable tool for students who are beginning the college preparation process. But what do the scores mean? What do you do with them after you receive them?
The majority of students simply do not have enough information to know what to do with their PSAT scores. Read below as we debunk four common myths about the PSAT and learn how you can take full advantage of the information provided with your score.
PSAT scores doesn’t really matter
It’s true that PSAT scores are not as important as the SAT or the ACT. It’s a practice test. So in that sense, the PSAT doesn’t really “matter” for college admissions. The score doesn’t “count,” especially in a world in which many, many colleges and universities remain test optional or test blind (as in the case of the University of California system).
There are, however, two good reasons to pay attention to your PSAT scores. First, they are an indicator of how well you will do on the SAT. If you did poorly, then maybe some of your basic mathematical and English language skills are a bit weak. Armed with the knowledge that your performance is weaker than you’d like it to be, you have the time to not only raise your score, but also address any weaknesses in your basic academic preparation. While there are many problems with the test itself (see below), it is a pretty good measure of your abilities on the particular basic academic skills and knowledge. So use your results on your PSAT as a indicator not only of how well you may do on the SAT, but as an indicator of what you might do to shore up whatever academic weaknesses your score report indicates.
Second, the PSAT could matter a lot if your score is high. The PSAT is also a qualifier for the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT–or as I like to say, “Neem-Squat”). This is a scholarship program that could land you quite a lot of money from schools that participate in the program. in your PSAT scores can help students gauge how prepared they are for the SAT. Also, students who take the PSAT score an average of 145 points higher on the SAT. So, practice never hurts.
You don’t need to prepare for the PSAT
In fact, many students don’t really need to prepare for the PSAT. It is, by definition, a preparatory or practice test. But as with any test, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the substance of the test so that you have a better chance of getting a score that reflects your true abilities. Free resources exist on the College Board website and on Khan Academy for you to acquaint yourself with the format and structure of the test.
Further preparation might be a good idea for students who generally score well on such tests (such as the state-mandated standardized tests all students generally take every year) or who have ambition to attend one of the super selective colleges and universities.
As mentioned above, the PSAT is the qualifying test for the “Neem-Squat”. If you are able to test high enough on the PSAT to become a National Merit Semifinalist, then this will be a feather in your cap when it comes time to apply for college. So if you take a couple of PSAT practice tests and find yourself scoring in the 90th percentile or higher, take the time to prepare for the test before the fall of your junior year (which is when you would take the test to qualify for National Merit). It could be well worth your while. Not only do hundreds of colleges guarantee scholarships to National Merit Finalists, this recognition is also something that colleges love to see on applications.
College admission is all that matters
While students, counselors, parents, etc. often use the PSAT as a gauge for the SAT, it can also be used to provide the student with more information about what skills they need to improve. On the score report, there is a breakdown of skills for each of the sections of the test. Students can see what specific areas (or questions) they struggled with and focus on building those skills. If you need help understanding your scores, the College Board has a pretty good explanation.
This information not only will help you boost your score on the SAT, but it may help you perform better in school, too. For example, if your score report indicates that you are making mistakes on particular grammar rules or basic mathematical calculations, you have the opportunity to address those academic deficits. In so doing, you will likely improve your writing in English and social studies classes, and your grades in math and science could go up.
Undeniably, the PSAT is an important milestone on the college admissions journey. If you’re thinking that college is in your future, you should take your time to familiarize yourself with the PSAT and how it fits into the college admissions puzzle. Taking the test can be a good way to prepare for the SAT and to gauge your level of preparation for further standardized tests (including the ACT). And if you take the time to consider your scores carefully and to identify your academic weaknesses, you have the opportunity to improve your grades at school, as well.
So don’t completely ignore your PSAT scores. Taking time to figure out what your scores mean can help you plan for your academic future in high school, in college, and beyond.
Want to learn more about how your PSAT scores fit into your college admissions plan?
The expert college counselors at Great College Advice have years of experience in developing college plans for all sorts of students. Most college-bound students will want to take the PSAT, but some may not need to, depending on their situation or their ambitions or the sorts of education they aspire to. We can help you figure out how the PSAT fits into your college plan and help you interpret what your scores mean both in the present and as you plan for the future. Give us a call or contact us here to learn more. We look forward to speaking with you.
