This month most high school students received PSAT standardized test results. As for the test, here's what you need to know:
1) These test results are a fairly good indicator of the score your student can expect on the SAT (assuming no additional preparation). However, each section (Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and Math) uses a scale of 160 to 760, so it's not a direct comparison. The highest score a student can get on the PSAT is 1520. (Score ranges for the official SAT will be from 200 to 800, though with a maximum score of 1600.)
2) PSAT scores are not used by colleges to determine admissions; they are aimed at providing students with practice for future testing. Colleges will NOT see these scores.
3) These scores will provide your student information on how they stack up against their peers across the country. This information can often be motivating for students to put more effort into their studies.
You may find this article helpful: http://www.ibtimes.com/psat-scores-2016-how-find-results-online-understand-them-2433963
Next steps:
Your student's score report will provide exhaustive detail on which questions were answered correctly (or not), the degree of difficulty of each question, and which areas might require additional attention. Please take advantage of the free (PSAT/SAT only) test preparation provided through Khan Academy; your student can link his/her test results directly to free customized prep with Khan. Information is included in your test report. Contact me if you have questions or follow this link. https://www.khanacademy.org/sat
If your student is a freshman, there is no action to take other than to encourage your student to continue to take the most rigorous coursework possible while still maintaining high marks. At some high schools, depending on your student's score, he/she may be contacted by the school about participating in targeted test prep; some high-potential students are receiving this kind of enhanced assistance. Contact me or your student's guidance counselor if you would like further information.
If your student is a sophomore, now is the time to consider taking a full-length practice ACT and SAT (if this hasn't already happened). I can then compare these results to help determine which test will benefit your student the most come junior year. Contact me for more information.
If your student is a junior and hasn't yet taken full-length practice ACT and SAT tests, do it NOW. Colleges accept both and now is the time to determine which test best suits your student. Your student should then plan to take his/her preferred test at least two times before the end of junior year. The first test can be done after general preparation or no preparation; after the first test, I recommend targeted test preparation to augment the low scoring areas prior to test #2. Please contact me ASAP to get access to free practice tests and to receive a full test plan.
If your student is a junior and has taken full-length practice ACT and SAT tests, now is the time to identify your student's preferred test and schedule testing. Remember that students will be taking AP tests in early May and may have other scheduling issues so examine all test dates closely. Over the holidays is a perfect time to review calendars and identify best times/dates for testing to lock in now. Find the test dates and registration information below:
AP Testing - http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/exam/dates_fees/index.html
ACT Testing - https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html
SAT Testing - https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/dates-deadlines
If you have any questions about the PSAT, your student's score report, or test plans, don't hesitate to contact me.