PSAT scores, December 2009

PSAT scores are being distributed this week. The Juniors will get theirs through 2nd period on Wednesday, December 9. There is important information contained on the student answer score report that every student needs to read and understand. After reviewing the answer report, if you still have questions, please bring your score report to your Guidance Counselor.

Helpful links:

• For a complete explanation of your scores and the score report, click here for a presentation about your scores.
• For a case study of a student's scores and what they mean, click here.
• Since only 11th grade scores count for National Merit Programs, 9th and 10th grade scores are excellent practice. Click here to read valuable information about scores obtained in 9th and 10th grade.
• Parents: click here for an explanation of your child's scores.

The following is from www.collegeboard.com:

PSAT/NMSQT scores indicate how ready you are for college-level work. In addition to your test scores, your Score Report Plus gives you personalized feedback on your academic skills, and is full of information to help you get ready for college and for the SAT^®.

Score Report Plus gives you:

• Your Scores
  PSAT/NMSQT scores are reported on a scale of 20 to 80. In 2008, the average score for eleventh graders was approximately 47 in critical reading, 49 in mathematics, and 46 in writing skills. The average score for tenth graders was approximately 42 in critical reading, 44 in mathematics, and 41 in writing skills.
• Ranges
  Ranges give you another way to think about your scores. They show how much your scores would likely vary if you took the PSAT/NMSQT a number of times.
• Percentile
  National percentiles help you compare your performance on the PSAT/NMSQT to the performance of other juniors or sophomores. If you are a freshman or younger, you are being compared to sophomores.
• Review Your Answers [NOTE - this is a very valuable "test prep" activity for you to do!]
  Contains the number, correct answer, your answer, and level of difficulty are displayed for every question on the test. This is extremely valuable to you since you get your actual copy of the PSAT/NMSQT test booklet back when you receive your Score Report Plus.
• Improve Your Skills [NOTE - this is a very valuable "test prep" activity for you to do!]
  The most valuable part of your Score Report Plus is the "Improve Your Skills" section. Here you will get personalized feedback on your academic skills, based on your test performance. For each section of the test, Critical Reading, Math, and Writing Skills, you will be directed to two or three skills that need some improvement, as indicated by your answers to questions on the PSAT/NMSQT. Under each skill that needs work, you'll be given suggestions for how to improve that particular skill. The set of skills you will find on your Score Report Plus are unique to you.

Use the Improve Your Skills and Review Your Answers sections to get the most out of your Score Report Plus.

My College QuickStart

All students who take the PSAT/NMSQT receive access to My College QuickStart—an easy-to-use, online, personalized college and career planning kit. This useful tool incorporates the responses that you provided when you took the test.

Your information is presented in four main parts:

• My Online Score Report—an enhanced score report that allows you to review each test question, your answer, and the correct answer with answer explanations.
• My SAT Study Plan—a customized SAT study plan based on your PSAT/NMSQT test performance, highlighting skills for review and practice.
• My College Matches—a starter list of colleges based on your state and indicated choice of major.
• My Major and Career Matches—major and career matches that are compatible with your general interests and personality type.

My College QuickStart is available using the access code printed on your score report [, and it can be utilized throughout high school. Score reports are distributed by your school after December. Log in or take a tour of My College QuickStart.

NOTE: the access code is very important. It is located on your score report, at the bottom right of the side of the report with your scores. It looks like this:

Make a note of that number - it is your FREE access to valuable tools including test analysis, career information, and help with college selection.

National Merit Scholarship Programs: Selection Index

The Selection Index is used by National Merit Scholarship Corporation to designate students honored in its scholarship programs. Visit NMSC for information. NOTE: the selection index cut-off score for the Class of 2010 was 211. This number can change from year to year, but Semi-Finalists in the National Merit Programs for the Class of 2011 will be announced in September, 2010.

Your Educational Plans

Here you will learn about the courses and skills you'll need to pursue the college major you specified when you filled out your PSAT/NMSQT answer sheet in October. You will be given a list of related majors to consider and careers associated with the degree.