PSAT
Anxious parents of sophomore and junior high school students are often daunted with the coming PSAT tests, although many students also find the test irrelevant and not worth studying for. Let’s have an overview of PSAT and average PSAT scores, as well as answer basic questions regarding this state standardized test.
How Students Can Use Their PSAT Scores?
Depending on how you interpret your PSAT score many students find PSAT useful for two functions:
1. It helps them prepare for the SAT Reasoning Test which will later be given to them in the senior year; and
2. It serves as a basis when evaluating applicants for the National Merit Scholarship.
Contrary to popular notion, PSAT scores are not forwarded to universities. Moreover, unlike the SAT in which personal registration is required, PSAT is administered by high schools and students are required to take it. PSAT was especially developed by academicians to prepare students for the SAT, which is the reason why it is compulsory to all incoming senior high school students.
What Is A Good PSAT Score?
PSAT can be considered a shorter version of the SAT Reasoning Test without the essay part, and which now includes three key areas of learning: writing, critical reading, and math. All in all, the duration of the test is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes divided into three sections.
Students may get a PSAT score of between 20 and 80 for each section that would total 240 as the highest score a student can get. The scores closely correspond to SAT scores, which is also divided into three sections, and is scored between 200 (the lowest possible score) and 2400 (the highest possible score).
Now, Let’s Examine The Three Sections:
PSAT Critical Reading – to students, this is the reading and comprehension section, in which test-takers are given written materials for them to read and then answer questions at the end part that would test their comprehension. Moreover, students can expect to find other forms of written tests such as logic, vocabulary, and sentence construction.
PSAT Math – this is the section that aids school administrators assess the mathematical and analytical skills of students in the various fields of mathematics, including algebra, statistics, geometry, and calculus. Although many students might find this the hardest part of the PSAT, it is multiple choice section as well as 10 of the so-called “student produced response” items.
PSAT Writing – this section is given in the final 30 minutes of the test in which students are provided with multiple choice questions that test skills in diction, grammar, and word usage.
If you are on your way to taking the PSAT test, you can strive to study well and see if you’ll get a high score. Although it’s no guarantee to obtaining a high score in the SAT, a good PSAT score may indicate your preparedness for the longer exam for college or have your education financed by a scholarship grant. Therefore, students are still advised to study well for the test.
When Is PSAT Administered?
The PSAT is given through your respective high school in late October, where juniors and a few sophomores are made to take the exam. The test is given only once a year, thus, students must make sure they pass or wait till the next academic year for another chance at PSAT.
Students must not disregard the PSAT for scholarship reasons, especially those students whose families might not be able to finance their college education. The PSAT scores, though, will not affect your eligibility for a college degree and are not forwarded to universities.
Prepare yourself for the PSAT by seriously taking reviews, whether personal or guided by your high school, and see if you’re ready for the more expansive test.