DEMYSTIFYING YOUR PSAT SCORES
So now that you’ve received your PSAT scores, what do you do? How do you interpret these results? What is a good score? Why do I feel upset or confused about the scores?
When we meet with a new student we look at the PSAT scores with some key questions in mind:
What was the overall score?
What is the breakdown between Math and Verbal?
Is there a clear strength or weakness that is emerging?
Is that strength or weakness expected or was there a surprise in the score?
Are either of the two subscores lower than expected? (For instance, a student who gets straight A’s in Math who scores a low math score on the PSAT.)
At this point in the test taking cycle, it’s natural for anxiety to creep in. Stay calm. It’s important to recognize a few key things:
Low Focus: Because the PSAT “doesn’t count” and students know that, many students don’t really give their best focus on the PSAT, so we must take these scores with a grain of salt. It may not be perfectly representative of the student’s potential. Use it as a yardstick, but not as a verdict.
It’s Not an IQ Test: These tests are NOT IQ tests. They are not traditional content tests either, like the tests we take at school. They measure a very specific (and important) skill: How well do you read and think under pressure? For math, are you able to problem solve? For reading, can you see the text clearly and be a strong detective?
What is This Really For? Do your best to clear the air and resist comparing your scores to friends. It’s hard to do because everyone else is doing it and students tend to measure their own self-worth by their test scores. Try to keep your scores to yourself. Remember what the real purpose of the SAT and ACT is: To open doors to your colleges of choice. Start researching colleges that interest you and that are realistic for you in terms of location, budget, and yes test scores. With hard work and focus, you can expect to raise your SAT score by an average of 100 to 200 points. So when you look at colleges, find out what their incoming average test scores are and use that as a guidepost.