Within the next ten days, juniors will be getting their 2007 PSAT scores back. Some students and their parents will be sorely disappointed. Trust me; it happens every year. They will be completely dumbfounded. How can a student with a GPA (grade point average) above 3.5, score below the 70th percentile on the PSAT? It just doesn’t make sense.
Parent Response Options: (1) my child is simply not a good standardized test-taker, and there is nothing we can do about it; (2) the SAT is a flawed test, and my child is perfect; once colleges discover these truths, they will disregard his/her scores completely; (3) my child should definitely take the ACT; I heard that it’s easier and that it doesn’t require preparation; (4) preparing for the SAT the “right” way will be challenging, but ulitmately rewarding.
My thoughts on the parent response options above are briefly as follows: (1) not true; don’t go there; if your child does well in school, your child has already proven that he/she is a capable learner; the academic challenges presented by the SAT are no more difficult than those presented in high school, college, or life beyond; (2) while I would never argue against the claim that your child is perfect, I would gladly argue with those who contend that the SAT is a flawed test and those who believe that colleges will completely disregard SAT scores for the “perfect” student; the SAT sets an appropriately high academic standard and colleges will consider SAT scores (albeit, to varying degrees) in the admission process; (3) deciding whether the ACT is the better test for your child is not so simple, and the ACT is by no means easy; (4) for the last 16 years, I have been using the SAT to help prepare students for colleges that include, among many others, all of the Ivies, Stanford, and MIT; students who (a) resist the promises of “secret codes” and “quick fixes” and (b) prepare in earnest, will increase their SAT scores and prepare for the academic rigors of college.
In the days and weeks ahead, I will offer additional thoughts around SAT preparation issues. In the meantime, I encourage students and their parents to test drive ePrep by using ePrep Express. The course is free and there are no “strings” attached. I also encourage students to begin building “large and varied working vocabularies” by using WordSmith, ePrep’s interactive vocabulary builder. A trial version of WordSmith is included with ePrep Express.
More soon!
December 6th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
By how many points can a student raise a PSAT score?
December 6th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
It depends on a few things, Keith, like how far in advance the student begins preparing, how much time the student devotes to preparing, and, most importantly, how the student actually spends that preparation time. Several years ago I tutored a girl who had scored in the high 400s in both math and verbal. (There were only two sections back then.) She is currently a junior at Princeton University. In other words, the sky’s the limit; it all depends on what you, or any other student, is willing to put into it
December 6th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
Thanks for the info, Karl.
December 7th, 2007 at 10:47 pm
Why is the phrase “large and working vocabularies” in quotes? Just wondering.
December 8th, 2007 at 11:19 am
Lil,
I put it in quotes because it is the phrase that the College Board uses to describe the kind of vocabulary that is required to do exceptionally well on the Critical Reading portion of the SAT.
December 13th, 2007 at 11:54 am
To whomever it may concern,
I recently received my PSAT score of 191/240, which i have ascertained to be 44 points
above the average highschool junior. Nevertheless, i am still somewhat concerned as to how
this score compares to those at the elite ivy schools – as i have heard many of these
colleges send students brochures based on how they scored on their psats. Please let me know
if this is the case. Much appreciated.
December 13th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
Darius,
While some colleges may send informational materials to students who score high on the PSAT, it is usually not the elite schools that do so.
While your PSAT scores may be above average for students in general, they are likely to be below average when compared to students who traditionally apply to the most selective colleges. That being said, there’s really nothing to stop you from scoring even higher on the SAT. You should probably start by signing up and using one of ePrep’s free courses. Good luck.
January 9th, 2008 at 1:15 am
I took the PSAT my sophomore year (‘06-’07), and did well (I can not remember the exact score). Since, I have received 100+ letters from colleges of all types. Most of them are from smaller, liberal arts colleges trying to get their names out, but I have also received letters from sschools such as USC, Stanford, ASU, U of A, NYU, etc. I actually regret putting my home address on the test sheet. However, as you stated, the letters are just that: brochures. They in no way dictate specific interest or knowledge in the reader, as it is only a computer taking a certain list of high scoring kids to place on a mailing list.
January 9th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
My experience was similar to Zac’s. Since taking the PSAT last year, I have gotten a lot of mail from colleges. It’s amazing how many colleges there are.
February 3rd, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Some people really aren’t good standardized test takers.It’s proven that “bright” students tend to overthink multiple choice questions.Please do your research.
February 4th, 2008 at 8:27 am
If they’re so “bright,” why can’t they simply learn to avoid overthinking multiple-choice questions. I think Karl’s point was simple: Kids can learn to become better test-takers. I have a hard time believing that research has been done which proves that certain “bright” kids are doomed when it comes to standardized tests.
February 5th, 2008 at 10:52 am
my scores went up 300 from the PSAT to the SAT . . . I used to think I was a bad test-taker . . . not anymore! I won’t be getting into Harvard or any place like that . . . but I’m happy
December 5th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
I am a freshman, and I recently took the PSAT.
I scored a 167/240, higher than all the freshman and most of
the sophomores at my school. However to me this score seemed low.
I am intrested in attending a Ivy League school, and so my standards
are higher than most. There’s not much infromation about the
average score for freshmen. So i am curious, am i just being
hard on myself or are my dreams of ivy covered walls foolish?
December 8th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Meg,
Sorry for the delayed response. Your score is very solid. Keep up the good work and you can certainly make it to the Ivy League, . . . if that’s still what you want when you’re a senior.
January 15th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Hey, I just received my PSAT score report. I’m a freshman, and I got a 197/240. Near the 98th percentile for sophomores and 95th for college-bound juniors. Needless to say I was pleased with my score. I earned a 68/80 in math, 67/80 in CR, and 62/80 in writing, So I’m relatively balanced. I go to a fairly prestigious, small, independent school in the southern U.S., and I’d like to go to an Ivy League school, or perhaps a technological institute such as MIT… Because I’m interested in many different things, my opinion has not yet been made on many specific college choices such as which college I’d like to attend, or what I’d like to major in… I have an A+ in English 9, Honors Geometry, Biology, and Speech/Debate class, and an A in Latin and World History. Anyway, enough with the background details… I have a few questions. And one final note, I took the SAT as a 7th grader through the Duke T.I.P. and scored a 1750/2400 then (nearly equivalent to a 175/240 on the PSAT, I assume).
1. Does it seem likely that I can get into a good school, possibly with some sort of scholarship as well? (Assuming my score continues to improve)
2. Do you think I could get a perfect score on the PSAT as a junior, or perhaps the SAT as a junior or senior? Keep in mind, the 197/240 was with absolutely no prep, other than my regular assigned classes for school, and I plan to seriously prepare for these tests during my junior and senior years.
3. Do you recommend loading up on AP/Honors courses, at the risk of a slightly lower GPA, or sticking with ‘normal’ courses and getting higher graders?
4. How likely is it for a freshman to get an 80/80 on the math section of the PSAT? My friend did this, and I’d like to hear the chances of him doing that. If you could provide anything like “Approximately X people accomplish this” that would be great.
5. Does the fact that I scored (basically) 200 points higher from 7th grade to 9th grade signify that I could improve quite a bit by the time I’m a senior?
Thanks for taking the time to answer these,
Blake
January 15th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Blake,
1. Absolutely. Just stay diligent in school and google “college scholarships,” when the time comes.
2. Getting a perfect scores requires talent, and a bit of luck. I definitely think you can get a perfect score on the SAT, given that you’ll have a few chances (if needed!) to take it. More important than a perfect score on the PSAT is qualifying for National Merit scholarships. A high score is all you’ll need.
3. Take the APs and do well. If your goals is to attend a highly selective college, you might as well prepare yourself for the workload at such a college.
4. I do not have any statistics before me, but–all else being equal–earning a perfect score in math is easier than doing so in critical reading or writing. (Math is more objective.)
5. If you continue to work diligently in high school, your scores will continue to rise. No doubt.
Please do not hesitate to post follow-up questions. Good luck.
January 15th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Thanks for the quick response, and the encouragement.
Follow-up to #1- Right, scholarships will be a big factor… I think my parents would sacrifice to help get me through to any college if I was accepted, but scholarships are NEVER a bad idea.
Follow-up to #2- Indeed it will take some luck, but I’ll hope for the best.
Follow-up to #3- Thanks for the advice about APs. I’m taking 1 Honors class this year (only 1 is offered, and no AP courses are offered to Freshmen. My school has a huge workload, but I’ve heard it makes for an easy transition to college (even to great schools)
Follow-up to #4- That does make sense, sections like critical reading and writing can depend so much more on the specific question being asked, or the answers available.
Follow-up to #5- I hope so
(Feel free to respond to any of that, but here are a few more questions)
Picking up where I left off (at #5…)
6. Should I expect to begin receiving letters from colleges, or will that be more likely to begin in later years?
7. How can I improve my Critical Reading? I did fine this time, but it’s actually my weakest subject. It depends so much on what pieces are put on the test to be read. For example, I received a satisfactory 67/80 on the PSAT, but on the EXPLORE (Pre-ACT) test, I received a somewhat pedestrian 18/25.
8. When and how should I begin prepping for next years PSAT, the SAT, and the ACT? How much preparation is TOO MUCH, and how often do you recommend studying (and for what length of time in each ’session’? Also, where should I study (online?)
9. Are there any “secrets” I should know to do well on standardized tests such as these?
Thanks again,
Blake
January 18th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Blake,
6. Letters will come junior/senior year.
7. For now, just read diligently. In other words, look up unfamiliar words as you encounter them. Then spend time memorizing them. The more words you learn, the easier it will become to learn new words. There will be plenty of time to learn SAT CR strategies later in your high school career.
8. For now, just stay diligent in school. In August, sign up for (and complete) ePrep’s PSAT study program. It will get you ready.
9. While there are sensible test-taking strategies, there are no real “secrets” or magic “codes.” ePrep advocates getting ready for the SAT in a way that will also help you prepare for college.
Hope to hear from you again soon. Good luck.
January 19th, 2009 at 1:24 am
Thanks for the help, I’ll definitely consider the ePrep guide in the future!
February 8th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
I just thought I’d let you know I started receiving information from colleges! So far I received 3 emails from Rice, TCU, and most recently Columbia! I expressed interest in all of them and should receive more information in the mail soon!
February 10th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Awesome. Thanks for the note, Blake.
February 26th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
More news… I’ve been contacted by Stanford, Harvey Mudd, and Carnegie Mellon.
That makes six!
June 3rd, 2009 at 1:08 pm
As a rising junior that will take the PSAT in the fall followed by the SAT, what preparation schedule would you recommend for users of eprep? Would eprep’s SAT prepare me for the PSAT in addition to the PSAT?
June 3rd, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Make that – “Would eprep’s SAT prepare me for the PSAT in addition to the SAT?”
June 4th, 2009 at 8:34 am
Elizabeth,
Yes, if you want to prepare the the fall PSAT and a fall SAT, ePrep’s SAT study program will suffice. There are only two real differences between the SAT and PSAT. The PSAT is shorter and does not include a hand written essay. Thus, preparing for the SAT is a great way to prepare for the PSAT as well.
October 19th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
I am a freshman and recently took the psat. I have not recieved it back yet, but on the practice from i got a 146. is this a good score?? i am wonering what to expect on the real thing, because i want to get the NMSQT, but i know its a long shot for me. thank you for your help. -Kassie
October 20th, 2009 at 10:56 am
Kassie,
146 is a decent PSAT score, but it is not likely to qualify you for a National Merit Scholarship. Only about 6,000 of the 1.5 million PSAT takers will actually win a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship. Remember, however, that your SAT scores are not preordained. If you work hard over the next year, you can certainly increase your scores significantly. Good luck.
November 25th, 2009 at 12:30 am
Hello, I’m a sophomore and I just got my PSAT score back. I scored a 191, however my freshman year I scored 200. I was very sick the day I took it, and I suppose I had a bad day. I’m graduating a year early and I will “skip” my junior year altogether, going from a sophomore to a senior. Does this mean that this year’s PSAT would’ve been my qualifying one for National Merit or is it still the one I take next year, my 3rd (but final) year of high shool?
November 26th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Meaghan,
The PSAT you took this year is the one that will qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship. I wouldn’t worry about it too much. Out of the 1.5 milliion students who take the PSAT each year, only a few qualify for the $2,500 scholarship.
November 26th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Thanks, it actually appears that since I’m dual enrolled, the exam taken in my 3rd year of high school is the one that MUST count according to http://www.nationalmerit.org/entering.php about mid page.
December 4th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
My son is a freshman in high school and just received his PSAT scores back. He scored 131; 46 in CR, 49 in Writing, and a 36 in Mathematics. While this is clearly below what I had expected from him; how does he actually compare with other 14 year olds?
December 5th, 2009 at 10:31 am
Freshman Mom,
I think your son’s scores are fine. If he is only a freshman now, I am sure there is a lot of PSAT math that he hasn’t learned yet in school. That’s why the math score is significantly lower than the other two. All of his scores, really, are very much in line with how most freshmen would do on the PSAT. Keep in mind, by the time he takes the PSAT junior year, he will have an additional two full years of living and learning under his belt. This will make a huge difference in his scores.
Good luck.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
My son is a freshman in high school. He usually stays up till midnight doing his hmework, sometimes even close to
1:00 AM everyday (I really mean including weekends as well). However, he spends at least 80% of his time on writing english papers rather than studying science or mathematics. Is this normal for a freshman? He is taking geometry right now. According to this arrangement, he will not be able to take AP Calculus by the end of junior year, will this be a big disadvantage for him to apply top schools such as Ivy League? He took SAT and ACT in Feb this year when he wa 8th grader. He got 690 in math, 570 in reading from SAT, and 31 in math and 27 in science from ACT, are they good scores? He just took another ACT assessment test from Oxford Learning Center, and only got 29 in science and 24 in reading, and a 35 in math(I guess this is good?). They told me they are good scores, but I think they just try to get my business. Am I right. Is AP Calculus really that important? I attended high school in a different country, so I am totally unfamilair with the system here? Could you please give me some advices for my son’s future study guidelines? Thanks.
December 13th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Freshman Dad,
I applaud your son’s work ethic, but I think he needs to become more efficient in completing assignments. Staying up past midnight to complete assignments does not sound normal. Do not fret, however, I am sure he will eventually become more efficient in getting work done. It takes time, but most kids figure it out naturally on their own.
As long as he takes AP Calc in high school, he should be fine with the Ivies. That being said, if he is eager to get ahead in math, he should look into summer courses. They are usually intense, but a great way to advance in math.
His 8th grade SAT and ACT scores are awesome. I would not bother enrolling him in any kind of prep course at this time. Your son is a great student and it is way too early to be worried about SAT and ACT scores.
Good luck. Please do not hesitate to post follow-up questions.
December 19th, 2009 at 2:12 am
hello i just got my PSAT test reslts back, i am a sophomore and it was my first time taking them.the scores i recieved were way lower then i thought they would be( 53 reading 52 math 57 writing). My dream is the ivies, and i am just worried that i will not be able to get them up. i am a good student, never gotten a B, but i do go to a public high school so i dont know if that matters. My prep test for the ACTs was not what i had hoped nor expected either, is this a sign and is it possible for my PSAT scores to get to the 70’s?? i am extremely confused.
December 24th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Taylor,
Sorry for the delay in responding. Do not worry about your PSAT scores. They do not mean a thing. I have witnessed many students go from PSAT scores in the 40s to SAT scores in the 600s and 700s. Honestly. Keep working hard in school and things will fall into place. You will be a better student and know a lot more by the time your reach the end of your high school career. Trust me.
You should definitely experiment with both the SAT and the ACT. For some students, one test is a lot easier than the other. You won’t find out whether this is true for you, unless you experiment a bit. Good luck.
January 22nd, 2010 at 5:25 pm
Hi – My daughter just got her Freshman PSAT scores and got a 185
(62 CR, 55 Math, 65 Writing). As a 7th grader she took the SAT and got 590 math, 570 CR, 480
writing. She is also a very serious volleyball player (national travel) and
her dream is a volleyball scholarship to Rice (or similar).
Does it sounds like she is on track?
January 23rd, 2010 at 9:46 am
June,
Your daughter is absolutely on track for admission into the most selective colleges and universities. She just needs to continue working diligently in school and competing well in volleyball. The volleyball should not be neglected; it could make the biggest difference in the end. Good luck.
January 28th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Ok, I’m a high school sophomore already taking APs and Honors courses, and on the PSAT I took last year, I received a 183 (62 in writing, 61 in CR, 60 in math). This year, however, received a 213 (69 in CR, 65 in writing, 79 in math). I’ve signed up to take the ACT next saturday, and I was wondering if there was anything else I could do to prepare. I’ve already done all of the practice for the ACT online, and it’s getting to the point where I’ve started to get a little nervous. Help?
Also, I was wondering if my PSAT scores are any indication of how I’ll do on the ACT.
January 29th, 2010 at 9:16 am
Kayla,
Based on your PSAT scores and the fact that you prepared for the ACT, you should do well this Saturday. Remember that you should answer each question on the ACT because there is no wrong-answer penalty. If you still feel anxious and want to prep a bit more, I suggest The Real ACT Prep Guide or the Express version of ePrep’s ACT study program. Good luck. Again, I’m sure you will do fine.