1. PSAT Scores and College Readiness

2. PSAT Overview Why do students take the PSAT?
Pre-SAT: practice test for the SAT
Qualifying Test for National Merit Scholarship Program and other scholarships
Replacing TSI for dual enrollment
What is a “good” score?
Next steps (SAT and ACT)
PSAT Overview

3. Accessing Scores Online
1. Log in to Your Account
Link your College Board
account to Khan Academy
for free, personalized
feedback and practice
PSAT and SAT questions
2. Select PSAT/NMSQT Scores
*Or*
3. Use “Missing Scores” to locate scores
Accessing Scores Online 3

4. Understanding Your Score Report
Total Score:
PSAT
SAT
Section Scores:
- Evidence Based Reading/Writing - Math (No Calc & Calc)
PSAT
SAT
(College Readiness bench-marks EBRW 480, M 530)
Test Scores:
- Evidence Based Reading
- Writing & Language
- Math (No Calc & Calc)
PSAT 38 possible points per section
SAT 40 possible points per section
Used to determine NM Selection Index
Understanding Your Score Report 4

5. What is the National Merit® Scholarship Program?
The NMSC Selection Index is
taken from your Test Scores.
Reading Test Score X 2
+ W&L Test Score X 2
+ Math Test Score X 2
Selection Index
A perfect Selection Index score is 228 ( )
2018 semifinalist cutoff score
for Texas: 221 5

6. Understanding Your Score Report (cont’d)
Test Scores: Total number of points earned per
section
Cross-Test Scores:
Used to determine AP Potential
Subscores: Demonstrates
strengths and weaknesses;
useful for improving scores (Khan Academy!)
Understanding Your Score Report (cont’d) 6

7. Comparing SAT and ACT Scores
Colleges accept both SAT and ACT scores for admission – students do not have to take both
Take practice tests to determine which test you should target – PSAT is a good baseline for SAT, take a practice ACT!
Comparing SAT and ACT Scores

8. When to Prep? When to Test?
Take the SAT or ACT at least twice during junior year
Plan for at least 20 hours of prep before every official test
Best Practices When Registering for the SAT and ACT
Pay attention to deadlines
Sign up for the optional essay
Choose four schools to automatically send your scores to
When to Prep? When to Test?

9. Why Do These Tests Matter?
College Planning Tools from College Board
Access (Big Future)
Determine which colleges to apply to
Safety
Target
Reach
Find out about scholarships based on SAT/ACT scores
Why Do These Tests Matter?

10. Thanks For Your Attention!
Questions?
More Than a Teacher
Thanks For Your Attention!