PSAT

The most common reasons for taking the PSAT/NMSQT are:to receive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study. Although some schools encourage their sophomores to take the PSAT/NMSQT for guidance purposes, these students must take the test again when they are juniors to enter NMSC's competitions if they are spending the usual four years of study in grades 9 through 12.

What Is A Good PSAT Score?

PSAT test scores are used (with the permission of the student) to determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program. For example, for the 2007 competition (2005 PSAT results), minimum scores required for Semifinalist recognition ranged from 204 in Mississippi to 224 in Massachusetts, with an unweighted mean of 215. That should also give you an idea of a good PSAT score and average PSAT scores.

Students must take the PSAT/NMSQT in either the next-to-last year or the last year they are enrolled in high school. A student who does not take the PSAT/NMSQT because of illness, an emergency, or other extenuating circumstance, but meets all other requirements for NMSC program participation, may still be able to enter the competitions.

According to the College Board, the 2006 PSAT scores were mailed to schools between December 4th and 8th of 2006, with a similar time frame for 2007 PSAT scores. PSAT college board scoring remains the same, so your PSAT conversion table would still be accurate.

The PSAT test is 2 hours and 10 minutes and includes math, critical reading, and writing questions. The PSAT scores critical reading, math problem solving, and writing skills. The PSAT Critical Reading sections include reading comprehension questions about full-length and paragraph-length passages.

The PSAT Writing sections include multiple-choice questions on grammar, usage, word choice, and organization. The PSAT Math sections include multiple-choice questions and grid-in questions, which require the student to generate a response. Many students also take a practice PSAT in October of sophomore year.

PSAT Scoring

Your PSAT score will not be reported if accommodations are used without pre-approval. Your scores are not usually sent to any college unless you specifically request it. Scores are reported ONLY to the students and their families. Your PSAT test results can be reported, with your permission, to colleges interested in students scoring in your range, and you will receive brochures telling you about those schools.

Scores are based on a full point credit for right answers and a ¼-point deduction for wrong answers. The score report shows the student's Selection Index score (critical reading + mathematics + writing skills scores) and whether the student meets NMSC program entry requirements. The Selection Index scores of students who meet entry requirements are used to designate high scorers to receive recognition.