PSAT: FAQ
What are the differences between the PSAT and the SAT?
First, the PSAT scores are presented on a different scale. SAT scores are reported on a 200-800 scale, PSAT scores are on a 20-80 scale. The SAT is much longer than the PSAT. The question pattern of PSAT is similar to that of SAT except that there are no essay and Algebra II concepts
.How does my PSAT score relate to my SAT score?
The PSAT scale is 20-80 in each subject instead of 200-800. The scores are essentially comparable except for the fact that SAT is a slightly different and longer test and many students pick up new skills between taking the PSAT and the SAT.
What PSAT score do I need to qualify for National Merit Honors?
Qualification for National Merit is based on your Selection Index, which is simply the sum of your three scaled scores for Critical Reading, Math, and Writing. The range of Selection Index scores is thus 60-240. There are four primary levels of honors that one can receive as part of the National Merit program: Commended Student, Semi-Finalist, Finalist, and Scholar. The cut-off score for Commended Students is set nationally for the top 50,000 scorers. Semi-Finalists are the top scorers in each state, so the cut-off varies from state-to-state. Approximately 95% of Semi-Finalists become Finalists by meeting minimum academic standards. About half of these students go on to receive scholarships as National Merit Scholars.
How can the PSAT test help me?
If you are a high school junior, it will help you gauge your potential score on the SAT and the Writing SAT II that you will take in the spring. It will give you some idea of which colleges you should apply to in your senior year. It will give you access to scholarship competitions. It will definitely give you practice in answering multiple choice questions where timing is an important factor.
In addition, you may choose to take advantage of the College Board's Student Search Service. This service is free for students who fill out the biographical section of the PSAT/NMSQT. If you fill out this section, you will receive mail from colleges and search programs.
Are the PSAT scores compared nationally or only within a state ?
PSAT scores are compared on both levels, but consideration for National Merit Scholarship Finalist, Semi-Finalist, and Commendation is done by each state.
First, the PSAT scores are presented on a different scale. SAT scores are reported on a 200-800 scale, PSAT scores are on a 20-80 scale. The SAT is much longer than the PSAT. The question pattern of PSAT is similar to that of SAT except that there are no essay and Algebra II concepts
.How does my PSAT score relate to my SAT score?
The PSAT scale is 20-80 in each subject instead of 200-800. The scores are essentially comparable except for the fact that SAT is a slightly different and longer test and many students pick up new skills between taking the PSAT and the SAT.
What PSAT score do I need to qualify for National Merit Honors?
Qualification for National Merit is based on your Selection Index, which is simply the sum of your three scaled scores for Critical Reading, Math, and Writing. The range of Selection Index scores is thus 60-240. There are four primary levels of honors that one can receive as part of the National Merit program: Commended Student, Semi-Finalist, Finalist, and Scholar. The cut-off score for Commended Students is set nationally for the top 50,000 scorers. Semi-Finalists are the top scorers in each state, so the cut-off varies from state-to-state. Approximately 95% of Semi-Finalists become Finalists by meeting minimum academic standards. About half of these students go on to receive scholarships as National Merit Scholars.
How can the PSAT test help me?
If you are a high school junior, it will help you gauge your potential score on the SAT and the Writing SAT II that you will take in the spring. It will give you some idea of which colleges you should apply to in your senior year. It will give you access to scholarship competitions. It will definitely give you practice in answering multiple choice questions where timing is an important factor.
In addition, you may choose to take advantage of the College Board's Student Search Service. This service is free for students who fill out the biographical section of the PSAT/NMSQT. If you fill out this section, you will receive mail from colleges and search programs.
Are the PSAT scores compared nationally or only within a state ?
PSAT scores are compared on both levels, but consideration for National Merit Scholarship Finalist, Semi-Finalist, and Commendation is done by each state.