- The PSAT is out of 240 points, there is no official 'good' score, but the percentiles can help you see if you feel your performance is a good representation of your ability. Instead of seeing scores as 'good' or 'bad' consider if you made progress from your 10th grade PSAT and if you think you can make any additional progress for the real thing.
- Utilize the free resource www.collegeboard.com/quickstart with your personalized access code (from your score report) to get individualized test prep, personality test, career inventory, and college research.
- Compare your PSAT score to a mock ACT score and see what test you did better on. Then register for the real test to be taken in the spring of your Junior year. Register now because testing centers will fill up FAST. Go to www.collegeboard.com if you plan to take the SAT, go to www.actstudent.org if you plan to take the ACT. Never tried the ACT? Contact a test prep company to see about a free or low cost diagnostic exam.
- ElRo will be having one more $5 practice SAT opportunity on Saturday, January 21. If you are interested, register at www.revolutionprep.com.
- The two best ways to improve your scores are: taking repeated practice tests and reading high level books outside of class to improve your vocabulary and reading comprehension. If you decided to enroll in a test prep course, you should do so in the spring of your junior year or the summer between your junior and senior year. You should plan to take whichever exam you are better on (ACT or SAT) TWO times between now and November of your Senior year. You can pick which two administrations work best for your study plan and schedule. Not everyone needs to take a class, you may also want to explore buying a prep book (or getting it from the library), doing your own online practice at my college quickstart, or getting a private tutor.
- If you qualify for free or reduced lunch then you can take the ACT/SAT two times for free. See me for the waiver code numbers so you can register online.
- I have practice booklets for the exams available in my office. Remember, register for your exam(s) now!
A few other things we didn't talk about today but are still important:
- If you are an ACT person - meaning you did better on the ACT- remember to always register WITH writing. Some schools require it so better to just have it on there in case.
- Use your percentiles as a guide to see if it makes sense for you to be taking SAT Subject Tests. Some of the most selective schools in the country ask for 2-3 subject tests in addition to the SAT. Some schools allow the ACT with writing to replace the SAT Subject Tests, but if you are not an ACT person then you probably want to get some subject tests done in June of your Junior year (since you'll be finishing up the courses where you may want to take a subject tests, like for example US History or Physics). Keep in mind though that only students that feel they are going to be competitive applicants in a highly selective pool should focus on worrying about subject tests at this time. Translation: if your main PSAT/SAT score could use improvement, aka you are not in a top percentile, focus on that instead of subject tests. Not sure if the schools you are thinking about require the exams? Just check the school's Admissions website, all requirements will be listed there.
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