Presented by the HCHS Guidance Department Understanding Your PSAT Results What is the PSAT? A standardized test that measures the Critical Reading, Math, and Writing Skills that students have developed over the course of their education. The test serves to provide students with practice for the SAT. On average, students who take the PSAT/NMSQT score 146 points higher on the SAT than those who do not. It also gives juniors a chance to be recognized through the National Merit Scholarship. Therefore, it serves as a valuable tool to assist students, parents, and schools with early college planning. A standardized test that measures the Critical Reading, Math, and Writing Skills that students have developed over the course of their education. The test serves to provide students with practice for the SAT. On average, students who take the PSAT/NMSQT score 146 points higher on the SAT than those who do not. It also gives juniors a chance to be recognized through the National Merit Scholarship. Therefore, it serves as a valuable tool to assist students, parents, and schools with early college planning. How Do I Determine My PSAT Scores? PSAT scores are reported on a scale of 20 to 80. PSAT scores are reported on a scale of 20 to 80. What Are Average Scores? In 2011, the average score for eleventh graders was approximately 48 in critical reading, 49 in mathematics, and 46 in writing skills. What Are Score Ranges? Ranges show how much your scores would likely vary if you took the PSAT a number of times. This students range was 46 to 54. What Are Score Percentiles? A graphical representation helps students visualize how they compare to other test-takers. Sample Percentile Scores What is the Selection Index? How Do I Improve My Skills? How Do I Review My Answers? The Your Answers section reveals sections of the test where a student performed best or needs work. This section displays the number, correct answer, the students answer, and level of difficulty (easy, medium, or hard) for every question on the test. How Do I Review My Answers? How Were My Answers Scored? Correct answers get 1 point Omitted answers get 0 points Wrong answers to multiple choice questions lose point Wrong answers to open response Math questions lose 0 points. Correct answers get 1 point Omitted answers get 0 points Wrong answers to multiple choice questions lose point Wrong answers to open response Math questions lose 0 points. How Were My Answers Scored? Some of the math problems required you to grid in answers instead of selecting an option. For these questions, you will see the correct answer(s) written out. What are your Next Steps? What Are the Online Features Of My College QuickStart? Get these personalized features: My Online Score ReportView your enhanced score report- with test questions, your answer, and the correct answer with answer explanations My SAT Study PlanPrepare for the SAT with a personalized plan based on your test performance (includes a free practice test) NEW! My PersonalityTake a personality test to learn more about yourself and find majors and careers that fit your strengths and interests My College MatchesGet a starter list of colleges (based on your home state and indicated choice of major) to help you begin your search My Major & Career MatchesLearn about different majors and careers and see what courses you should take now to be successful later. Are There Any Differences Between the PSAT and SAT? The PSAT requires 2 hours and 10 minutes and includes 5 sections. Students sign up in homeroom (sophomores) or with the guidance office (juniors) to take the PSAT. The PSAT is free for all sophomores and costs $14 for juniors The PSAT Writing Skills section on the PSAT contains all multiple choice questions. The SAT requires 3 hours and 45 minutes and includes 10 separately timed sections. Students must log ontoto register for the SAT.The SAT costs $50. The SAT Writing section contains both multiple choice questions and a 25 minute essay. Are There Any Differences Between the SAT and the ACT? The SAT is an aptitude test, testing reasoning and verbal abilities. The SAT has only 3 components: Critical Reasoning, Mathematics, and a required Writing Test. The College Board introduced a new version of the SAT in 2005, with a mandatory writing test. Please visitto register for the SAT. The cost for the SAT is $50. The ACT is an achievement test, measuring what a student has learned in school. The ACT has up to 5 components: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing Test. ACT offers an optional writing test. Visitto register for the ACT. The cost for the ACT is $34 for the ACT (without Writing) or $49.50 for the ACT (with Writing). A Few Gentle Reminders This is a test geared to college-bound juniors. Taking this test in the 10 th grade is only for practice. Only 11 th grade scores are considered in the National Merit Scholarship Competition. Colleges only consider SAT scores in admissions- not PSAT. What are the upcoming SAT Dates? *Please remember that you will need to register for the SAT and/or ACT. Students are not automatically registered for these tests.