PSAT Scores and College Readiness

PSAT Overview Why do students take the PSAT? Pre-SAT: practice test for the SAT Qualifying Test for National Merit Scholarship Program and other scholarships Replacing TSI for dual enrollment What is a “good” score? Next steps (SAT and ACT) PSAT Overview

Accessing Scores Online 1. Log in to Your Account Link your College Board account to Khan Academy for free, personalized feedback and practice PSAT and SAT questions 2. Select PSAT/NMSQT Scores *Or* 3. Use “Missing Scores” to locate scores Accessing Scores Online 3

Understanding Your Score Report Total Score: PSAT 320-1520 SAT 400-1600 Section Scores: - Evidence Based Reading/Writing - Math (No Calc & Calc) PSAT 120-760 SAT 200-800 (College Readiness bench-marks EBRW 480, M 530) Test Scores: - Evidence Based Reading - Writing & Language - Math (No Calc & Calc) PSAT 38 possible points per section SAT 40 possible points per section Used to determine NM Selection Index Understanding Your Score Report 4

What is the National Merit® Scholarship Program? The NMSC Selection Index is taken from your Test Scores. Reading Test Score X 2 + W&L Test Score X 2 + Math Test Score X 2 Selection Index A perfect Selection Index score is 228 (76+76+76) 2018 semifinalist cutoff score for Texas: 221 5

Understanding Your Score Report (cont’d) Test Scores: Total number of points earned per section Cross-Test Scores: Used to determine AP Potential Subscores: Demonstrates strengths and weaknesses; useful for improving scores (Khan Academy!) Understanding Your Score Report (cont’d) 6

Comparing SAT and ACT Scores Colleges accept both SAT and ACT scores for admission – students do not have to take both Take practice tests to determine which test you should target – PSAT is a good baseline for SAT, take a practice ACT! Comparing SAT and ACT Scores

When to Prep? When to Test? Take the SAT or ACT at least twice during junior year Plan for at least 20 hours of prep before every official test Best Practices When Registering for the SAT and ACT Pay attention to deadlines Sign up for the optional essay Choose four schools to automatically send your scores to When to Prep? When to Test?

Why Do These Tests Matter? College Planning Tools from College Board Access (Big Future) Determine which colleges to apply to Safety Target Reach Find out about scholarships based on SAT/ACT scores Why Do These Tests Matter?

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