PSAT Scores are Due Next Week

If you took the PSAT earlier this fall, you should expect to receive your scores sometime next week. The CollegeBoard says scores will be released to students between Dec 9-11 (the exact date depends on where you live). Your counselor can access the scores on Dec 2 through the K-12 reporting portal. Use your PSAT score report smartly to improve your score on the “real” SAT. The report explains what areas you need to review before taking the next test.

Viewing Your Scores

The CollegeBoard has aligned the PSAT scores with the SAT scores. You can use your PSAT test scores to learn more about how you might do on the upcoming SATs. But there are a LOT of scores on the PSAT report. Which scores should you pay attention to?

Here are some tips. When viewing your score report, focus on:

1. Raw scores. Look at your Reading/Writing score, your Math score, and the total score.
2. Ignore percentiles.  This is a new test- the percentiles are research based only. Don’t worry about the percentiles.
3. Check your NMSC Selection Index. Is there an asterisk (*) next to it? Learn more about the National Merit Scholarship selection process in this guide.

College and Career Readiness Benchmarks

Don’t spend a lot of time worrying about where you are on the benchmarks. Make a count of how many you have in the following benchmark areas:

• Green (meets or exceeds benchmark)
• Yellow (approaching benchmark)
• Red (need to strengthen skills)

Get Advice from the Experts on Benchmarks

Talk to your counselor or advisor about recommendations to improve your areas with red and yellow benchmarks to move into the green zone.

Using Sub Scores

In your score report, go to Your Scores: Next Steps. This is a great resource for you. It shows what you are already able to do and also includes suggestions to improve your skills. These suggestions also help form the Khan Academy personalized preparation plan.

The scores are broken into:

1. Reading Test
2. Writing and Language Test
3. Math Test

Study Smarter, not Harder

If you use your PSAT score report to plan the preparation of the SAT, you will be studying smarter, not harder. Reviewing your PSAT scores will save you hours of studying for the SAT by showing you where you need to focus your preparation. Go over your PSAT scores with parents, counselors and teachers.

Take Action

Use your PSAT section scores to create a personalized study plan for the SAT.