PSAT Scores Released 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 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.  Be smart by using your PSAT scores to improve your score on the “real” SAT.  Your score 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 SAT tests.  But there are a LOT of scores on the PSAT test.  Which scores should you to 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 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 move your red and yellow benchmarks into green. 

Using Sub Scores 

Find the section of your score report, Your Scores: Next Steps.  This is a great resource for you, showing what you are already able to do.  It also includes suggestions for improving your skills.  These suggestions become the beginning of 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 scores for preparation for 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.  Use this to create a personalized, study plan for the SAT. 

Take Action 

Record your PSAT scores in GuidedPath, and schedule your next SAT or PSAT test.