PSAT questions

[True Blue]

I'm anxiously awaiting PSAT scores. They are normally sent to hsers homes sometime in December is that correct? Have you seen a correlation between normal standardized testing scores and PSAT scores? This ds normally tests in the 98th percentile, so I am hoping for good PSAT scores.

[Karen_OK]

We homeschooled our oldest son through 8th grade. He did very well on standardized tests, also. Although he's in public school now, he took the PSAT last fall and I believe he received his test scores the first week of December. He did qualify as a National Merit Semi-Finalist:), but I don't know if you could say the standardized test scores were an indicator of how he would do on the PSAT or not. My son has some friends who have also done quite well on standardized tests and didn't qualify for National Merit. I hope the results come soon and that he qualifies for a great scholarship:001_smile: Have you tried checking scores on-line at www.collegeboard.com (http://www.collegeboard.com)? Sometimes the scores are available on-line before you actually receive them in the mail. We were able to do that with SAT scores this fall.

[True Blue]

Are PSAT scores online? I'll look. Thanks.

[Karen_OK]

I just looked on the college board website. It doesn't look like you can see PSAT scores on-line. Sorry for getting your hopes up. I know you can check SAT and ACT scores on-line.

[Michelle in MO]

If your child has done well on other standardized tests, he may do better on the PSAT, too. However, remember that other standardized tests, such as the Stanford Achievement Test, the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, and the CAT-9, are tests that score all students, not just college-bound students. So, the standard for the PSAT may be higher. I know with the Stanford and the ITBS my girls did well, but they were being scored against all other public and private-schooled kids who took the same test. However, my oldest did very well on the PSAT--not National Merit Semifinalist, but a Commended Scholar instead.

The wait can be agonizing, can't it? :)

[Karen_OK]

I did find something about on-line PSAT scores. I've cut and pasted the info below. I don't know if you'll get the paper report before this is available, but it's worth a try. My College QuickStart ?free college planning kit ?PSAT scores online (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/counter?n=1&col=&qt=psat&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.collegeboard.com%2Fstudent%2F testing%2Fpsat%2Fquickstart.html) Congratulations on taking an important step towards college and your future career. Your 2009 PSAT/NMSQT results will be available online in mid-December.
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/quickstart.html

[True Blue]

I did find something about on-line PSAT scores. I've cut and pasted the info below. I don't know if you'll get the paper report before this is available, but it's worth a try. My College QuickStart ?free college planning kit ?PSAT scores online (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/counter?n=1&col=&qt=psat&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.collegeboard.com%2Fstudent%2F testing%2Fpsat%2Fquickstart.html) Congratulations on taking an important step towards college and your future career. Your 2009 PSAT/NMSQT results will be available online in mid-December.
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/quickstart.html

Thanks, it looks like they will be online mid-December. :001_smile:

[True Blue]

If your child has done well on other standardized tests, he may do better on the PSAT, too. However, remember that other standardized tests, such as the Stanford Achievement Test, the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, and the CAT-9, are tests that score all students, not just college-bound students. So, the standard for the PSAT may be higher. I know with the Stanford and the ITBS my girls did well, but they were being scored against all other public and private-schooled kids who took the same test. However, my oldest did very well on the PSAT--not National Merit Semifinalist, but a Commended Scholar instead.

The wait can be agonizing, can't it? :)

Well, this is my first born and he's my brainiac, so I'm really hoping for good scores. :D

[AuntieM]

Seems like I heard there was a difference between achievement tests (ie, standardized tests like ITBS and Stanford) and aptitude tests. Don't PSAT, SAT, and ACT fall into the latter category? I think that would mean that performance on one type is not necessarily an indicator of performance on the other type. Can anyone confirm that?

Waiting results here, too. But we're soph year testers, so it's not quite as nerve-wracking a wait for us. :tongue_smilie:Hope the suspense ends soon!

[transientChris]

The SAT and PSAT are supposedly testing aptitude (but really it is the apptitude to do well on other tests, not necessarily in college or life). The ACT is an achievement test. It is mostly testing knowledge.

[transientChris]

In terms of when the scores come, we were moving in mid December last year and I know that the scores came before our movers which was Dec. 8th. My dd was taking it as a 10th grader last year and this year as an 11th grader. We aren't thinking she will be a semi-finalist or a commended but she is set for college expenses courtesy of her father's almost 23 years of military service so we aren't stressing. We just hope to get a good idea of what levels of colleges she should apply to.

[sixglides]

My son received his scores today at his high school. His scores are one point lower than what were required in our state last year to be a National Merit Semi-Finalist. Will be interesting to see.

[Beebalm]

AAAAUUGGGHHH...the suspense is killing me! :willy_nilly: Anyone get theirs in today?

[Jenn in CA]

Dumb question. If your child is enrolled in a school, will he still get a copy of his score at home, as well as at school?

We were enrolled in a state school for just 6 weeks, during which time my boys took the PSAT... I'm wondering if we'll still get the scores at home.

[Catherine]

We are part of an umbrella that on paper is a private school, without a building or set curriculum. They received his score and quickly forwarded it to us. Very pleased here-he scored far better than he did on practice SAT and PSAT last year. Hoping this may translate to scholarship $$ or admission to his first choice, a very tough school to get into.

[Grace is Sufficient]

It would probably go to the school. You may want to call them.

[transientChris]

I went and picked up the test booklet from the school today but we hadn't gotten the test scores as of yesterday. Hopefully today or Saturday, we will get the scores. The high school confirmed with the college board that the scores were sent to our house.

[creekland]

We don't have ours yet either... :( I'm not good with suspense. Maybe tomorrow...

[Grace is Sufficient]

About what I expected... my 11th grader, who got a 185 last year in 10th grade, improved to 196 this year. What was amusing is that his 10th grade sister got a 185 this year.

Not good enough for National Merit, but suggests we'll get respectable SAT scores which will hopefully combine with a good GPA to shake loose some scholarship money.

[brendafromtenn]

No Finalist here either, but we are please with ds's score. Our junior got a 183 @90th percentile.

Not bad for a little boy who didn't even know the difference between a noun and a verb in 3rd grade when we "brought him home". :001_smile:

That writing portion is still bringing us DOWN. AUGH! What to do...what to do....Hmmmm......We'll just have to think about that, now won't we!

Have a great weekend, ya'll!

Blessings,

Brenda

[brendafromtenn]

We are PLEASED, not please.....(No wonder he has trouble with writing....HeeHee)

Brenda

[True Blue]

That is good news. I hope he can get the school and dollars he needs.

[True Blue]

No Finalist here either, but we are please with ds's score. Our junior got a 183 @90th percentile.

Not bad for a little boy who didn't even know the difference between a noun and a verb in 3rd grade when we "brought him home". :001_smile:

That writing portion is still bringing us DOWN. AUGH! What to do...what to do....Hmmmm......We'll just have to think about that, now won't we!

Have a great weekend, ya'll!

Blessings,

Brenda

Awww. That is great. Yeah, I'm wondering about the writing part, too. Thanks for sharing.

[CynthiaOK]

Got ours, too. No Merit Scholar, but not bad scores (192: 64, 63, 65). I was keeping my fingers crossed, but knowing that the medical problems he's experienced since this past summer had really slowed him down, I wasn't too hopeful.

The really strange thing is, though, that the scores are completely flip-flopped from previous tests and practice tests. Looking at the scores, I would never have thought this was my son. His math is always his highest score, writing is always the lowest. So here we have math the lowest and writing the highest. He was scoring upper 60's and low 70's for the math portion and barely breaking 60's for the writing on his practice tests. Go figure....

But his scores put him in the 94th percentile of our state which should be good for some $$$. Would have loved to see what he could do without all the medical issues - but life is like that - the best laid plans...

[HeatherH]

Scores arrived today, and I'm pleased:

Total 195; 69, 61, 65. 95%

I was really concerned. . . . .I didn't think our prep work was thorough enough. Guess I shouldn't have been!

When do they post the "cut-off" score for each state?

[CAMom]

We got home from vacation today and our scores were in the mail.

My junior scored a respectable 217 which is the 99th percentile. It remains to be seen whether or not it's good enough. The cutoff for CA has been 218 for two of the last 3 years and 217 for the other year. We're praying that this year's cutoff is 217.;)

[CynthiaOK]

CA has been 218 for two of the last 3 years and 217 for the other year.

Oh, I would be a nervous wreck! My ds told me that he was hoping that, if he didn't meet the cutoff, that he would be quite a bit below so he wouldn't say, "oh, if only I had studied just a little more!"

Hope your ds is successful and CA's cutoff is lower this year.

[Pongo]

Qualifying Scores for the Class of 2010 National Merit Semifinalists:
Alabama 208
Alaska 211
Arizona 210
Arkansas 203
California 218
Colorado 215
Connecticut 218
Delaware 219
District of Columbia 221
Florida 211
Georgia 214
Hawaii 214
Idaho 209
Illinois 214
Indiana 211
Iowa 209
Kansas 211
Kentucky 209
Louisiana 207
Maine 213
Maryland 221
Massachusetts 221
Michigan 209
Minnesota 215
Mississippi 203
Missouri 211
Montana 204
Nebraska 207
Nevada 202
New Hampshire 213
New Jersey 221
New Mexico 208
New York 218
North Carolina 214
North Dakota 202
Ohio 211
Oklahoma 207
Oregon 213
Pennsylvania 214
Rhode Island 217
South Carolina 211
South Dakota 205
Tennessee 213
Texas 216
Utah 206
Vermont 213
Virginia 218
Washington 217
West Virginia 203
Wisconsin 207
Wyoming 201
New England/Mid Atlantic Boarding Schools 221
Commended 201

[LynnG in Hawaii]

We are still anxiously awaiting Dd's PSAT results here. Hopefully they are not on the slowwwww boat to Hawaii. ;)

But I wanted to pop in and say how impressed I am with everybody's scores! :hurray: It always makes me happy to see "our" WTM kids achieve. Congrats to all (teachers and students)!

[Beebalm]

They came! They came! :)

[Lori D.]

We are still anxiously awaiting Dd's PSAT results here. Hopefully they are not on the slowwwww boat to Hawaii. ;)

But I wanted to pop in and say how impressed I am with everybody's scores! :hurray: It always makes me happy to see "our" WTM kids achieve. Congrats to all (teachers and students)!



Just got ours today! Was hoping for 90%, and DS scored 91%. :001_smile:

[True Blue]

They came. I'm disappointed. Now he's only a sophmore and we did nothing to prepare for the PSAT. He answered every question. Ugh. He got a 162. I'm guessing we need to do some PSAT/SAT study. Do you think that will make a difference? He normally scores in the 98th percentile.

[Jenn in CA]

PSAT and standardized testing are totally different experiences. The two scores do not necessarily correlate!

Also having all the math under one's belt at the time of the test makes a big difference, ie. having completed all the geometry. I can't remember if Algebra 2 is on it or not.

[True Blue]

PSAT and standardized testing are totally different experiences. The two scores do not necessarily correlate!

Also having all the math under one's belt at the time of the test makes a big difference, ie. having completed all the geometry. I can't remember if Algebra 2 is on it or not.

He has Alg. 1 & Geometry done. He's working on Alg. 2 right now and hasn't struggled at all. He's really good at math. He could use to bring all the scores up, but the writing was the worst.

I haven't told ds about his score. I told him it didn't matter this time around and want to mean it.

[Nan in Mass]

Did he know that you get points off for wrong answers? Did he know that the math questions are often a bit tricky and have to be read carefully? Did he know how to answer each kind of question? Those are all things that test-prep might help with. My son didn't understand what he was supposed to do on some of the English questions when we went over them in the practice booklet. I think he would have scored lower if we hadn't. Mine hasn't had any practice at all with standardized tests, so I wanted to make sure he didn't do something like circle the bubbles instead of fill them in.
-Nan

[Sophia]

They came. I'm disappointed. Now he's only a sophmore and we did nothing to prepare for the PSAT. He answered every question. Ugh. He got a 162. I'm guessing we need to do some PSAT/SAT study. Do you think that will make a difference? He normally scores in the 98th percentile.

I'll commiserate with ya.:sad:
Ds did not do well. He has not done geometry yet, so his low math score is understandable, but...argh...I was expecting better scores in the other areas.
He has always been in the 90's with the ITBS. At least he's only a sophomore and can pull it together for next year.
I'm hoping this will be a wake-up call for him; his social life has been his focus this year :glare:.

[pianoplayer]

We were very pleased for this first time "at bat!" DS scored a 202/97th percentile as a sophomore, which makes us think that he has a good chance of bringing up his score enough to qualify next year when it counts. I hope this will encourage and motivate him!

[True Blue]

Did he know that you get points off for wrong answers? Did he know that the math questions are often a bit tricky and have to be read carefully? Did he know how to answer each kind of question? Those are all things that test-prep might help with. My son didn't understand what he was supposed to do on some of the English questions when we went over them in the practice booklet. I think he would have scored lower if we hadn't. Mine hasn't had any practice at all with standardized tests, so I wanted to make sure he didn't do something like circle the bubbles instead of fill them in.
-Nan

I went over the PSAT very briefly with him. The person that gave the test told them to answer all the questions, and then later told them not to. This was a private school. Oh, well, he'll be prepared next time. And then we'll live with the scores. :001_smile:

[creekland]

We got our scores yesterday... my feelings are mixed and I have a new problem (ugh!). My sophomore son got 67, 61, 65 (193) which is 94th percentile among juniors and 98th, 93rd, and 98th respectively among sophomores - decent for a first time for reading and writing.

BUT, in math, I have a new problem. On practice tests he always scored in the 70's (700's for SAT practice). On this test he worked too slowly on the first math section (Section 2) and still had 7 problems to go when the proctor started "counting down" - each minute, from 5 minutes till there was no time left. He said he got worried and rushed - and got all 7 of those problems wrong - and all problems before it right. In section 4 he only missed one problem and said he had plenty of time. NOW he's worried about future tests, time, and any proctor jitters... so instead of getting rid of jitters by having him take it as a sophomore, we gained some.

I'm thinking we might be able to get over that before next year by having him take the SAT and ACT this spring? Would y'all agree? I'd hate for him to go into next year's test with these jitters...

[Bev in B'ville]

Dd, a junior, scored a 203; 66, 69, 68 (97th percentile). Happy with her scores, though she missed the NMSC by 11 points.

Ds took it for the first time as a freshman. Scores reflect room for improvement, definitely, especially in CR, but I was relatively pleased with his math score (50; 72nd percentile as compared to sophomores - not freshmen). But, he has two years for improvment overall. We'll get there.

[Quiver0f10]

Still waiting here. Hope they arrive tomorrow.

[Laurie4b]

He has Alg. 1 & Geometry done. He's working on Alg. 2 right now and hasn't struggled at all. He's really good at math. He could use to bring all the scores up, but the writing was the worst.

I haven't told ds about his score. I told him it didn't matter this time around and want to mean it.

You should be able to get the test booklet from the school that administered the test. Then you can go through the right and wrong answers (on the score sheet you got) with your ds so you two can see what he did incorrectly. Figuring out mistakes is a big way to make improvements. When ds#1 first took the PSAT, he scored really poorly in math. I assumed it was my fault, terrible teacher, guilt, guilt, guilt. Then we started to go over what he'd answered and he knew 75% of the ones he'd gotten wrong. He had gotten nervous. We've had to deal with this step-by-step over time and he's improved a lot. His last PSAT math score was about 8 points higher than his first and he didn't have any time to review the math this time because I forgot about the PSAT, barely got him in, and we were out of town just before it. So that was a victory.

I would keep the "doesn't matter" attitude but do use it as a learning experience.

[lwilliams1922]

Scores arrived this weekend. Good news and bad news.
CR= 65 Writing:52 math: DD didn't take because she's not ready.

I'm pleased with her CR because she is only 13 but I am facing a mountain to get her ready for math. Someone tell me there is a place out there for bright kids in spite of their aversion to math.

[Irene Lynn]

We got ours! Our dd isn't sure whether to be happy or not. She scored 206 (74,64,68) 98th percentile, which is good enough for the commended cut off, but not quite good enough (so close) for the National Merit Semifinalist.

We are pleased with her efforts.

[Kimm in WA]

How do you know what is a good score that would possibly get some decent scholarship $?
Thanks.

[Jenn in CA]

Pongo replied in this thread with the qualifying scores for National Merit by state.

(Thanks Pongo!)

[Jan in MO]

IMPORTANT! about the qualifying scores:

That list is the qualifying scores for the students that took the PSAT in October 2008, got their NM semi-finalist notifications this past fall and will graduate from high school this coming May/June. They do not apply with absolute certainty to those that are getting their scores right now.

The qualifying scores may go down, they may stay the same or they may go up --- on a state-by-state basis. Use that list as a sort of ballpark of where your state's cutoff will land this coming fall.

I've been following this process and the associated cutoffs for years. They may go up by as much as 3 points. Or they may go down. Unless your student scored *significantly* above the listed cutoff you will not know for certain whether your junior made the cutoff until next fall (think last August/early September).

HTH,
Jan

[Natalieclare]

We got one of our dd's scores yesterday-the sophomore. I'm very happy with her results. For some reason, we didn't get our junior's scores though. I wonder what's up with that?

[Jan in MO]

Some years back we got my freshman's scores and then it took almost another whole week before my junior's scores arrived. I called the College Board at some point during that waiting period and the person there said that they got mailed out in batches (with no significance to the batches in terms of high/low score, grade level, etc.)

Jan

[LynnG in Hawaii]

DD's scores finally arrived today. Guess they were on the slow boat after all. ;)

She got a 205 (72-CR; 60-Math; 73-Writing).

We are super pleased. Not enough for NM, but really nice nonetheless. :)

Now . . . anybody know what the cutoff for commended is?

[Kareni]

Now . . . anybody know what the cutoff for commended is?

I've only seen 200 or 201 in the past as the cutoff for a commendation.

Regards,
Kareni

[LynnG in Hawaii]

Thanks, Kareni. I "put it in the Google", and it looks like - historically, at least - everybody in the 97th percentile or higher, plus a small portion of those in the upper 96th percentile - have gotten "Commended" status.

Our dd got 97th percentile, so we are optimistic that her scores will make the Commended cut-off. Apparently the letters aren't sent out until April, so we won't know for sure until then.

Commended doesn't get you any scholarship money - not directly, anyway - but apparently it is definitely considered an honor and something students usually list on their college applications.

[Pongo]

This might help clarify it for you:

2010 National Merit Scholarship Competition
If you took the PSAT/NMSQT in October 2008 of your junior year and you
received a very high score, you may be entered in the 2010 competition for
National Merit Scholarships. In September, 2009, 34,000 commended
students will receive Letters of Commendation. These students will not
continue in the competition.
In September 2009, 16,000 high scorers will qualify as semifinalists.
In February, 2010, semifinalists who meet academic and other
requirements will advance to Finalist standing.
In March 2010, winners of special scholarships will be notified.

2011 National Merit Scholarship Competition
If you took the PSAT/NMSQT in October 2009 of your junior year, you may be
entered in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Competition. You will receive
your PSAT results in December 2009 from your high school. You will also
receive your test booklet with your answers. In September, 2010, you will be
notified if you qualify as a semifinalist. Check the list below for prior year
qualifying scores in your state.

Qualifying Scores for the Class of 2010 National Merit Semifinalists:
Alabama 208
Alaska 211
Arizona 210
Arkansas 203
California 218
Colorado 215
Connecticut 218
Delaware 219
District of Columbia 221
Florida 211
Georgia 214
Hawaii 214
Idaho 209
Illinois 214
Indiana 211
Iowa 209
Kansas 211
Kentucky 209
Louisiana 207
Maine 213
Maryland 221
Massachusetts 221
Michigan 209
Minnesota 215
Mississippi 203
Missouri 211
Montana 204
Nebraska 207
Nevada 202
New Hampshire 213
New Jersey 221
New Mexico 208
New York 218
North Carolina 214
North Dakota 202
Ohio 211
Oklahoma 207
Oregon 213
Pennsylvania 214
Rhode Island 217
South Carolina 211
South Dakota 205
Tennessee 213
Texas 216
Utah 206
Vermont 213
Virginia 218
Washington 217
West Virginia 203
Wisconsin 207
Wyoming 201
New England/Mid Atlantic Boarding Schools 221
Commended 201

Qualifying scores for the Class of 2009 National Merit Semifinalists:
Alabama 209
Alaska 212
Arizona 209
Arkansas 204
California 217
Colorado 213
Connecticut 218
Delaware 219
District of Columbia 221
Florida 211
Georgia 215
Hawaii 216
Idaho 208
Illinois 214
Indiana 213
Iowa 210
Kansas 211
Kentucky 209
Louisiana 208
Maine 212
Maryland 220
Massachusetts 221
Michigan 209
Minnesota 214
Mississippi 201
Missouri 213
Montana 208
Nebraska 206
Nevada 206
New Hampshire 211
New Jersey 220
New Mexico 209
New York 216
North Carolina 215
North Dakota 201
Ohio 213
Oklahoma 208
Oregon 213
Pennsylvania 213
Rhode Island 213
South Carolina 212
South Dakota 205
Tennessee 213
Texas 215
Utah 203
Vermont 213
Virginia 219
Washington 217
West Virginia 203
Wisconsin 210
Wyoming 201
International 221
U.S. Territories 201

Qualifying Scores for the Class of 2008 National Merit Semifinalists:
Alabama 209
Alaska 213
Arizona 211
Arkansas 201
California 218
Colorado 213
Connecticut 217
Delaware 219
District of Columbia 223
Florida 212
Georgia 214
Hawaii 213
Idaho 204
Illinois 213
Indiana 213
Iowa 209
Kansas 212
Kentucky 208
Louisiana 206
Maine 211
Maryland 221
Massachusetts 223
Michigan 209
Minnesota 213
Mississippi 202
Missouri 211
Montana 207
Nebraska 207
Nevada 208
New Hampshire 215
New Jersey 221
New Mexico 208
New York 219
North Carolina 214
North Dakota 202
Ohio 211
Oklahoma 207
Oregon 213
Pennsylvania 214
Rhode Island 212
South Carolina 210
South Dakota 203
Tennessee 213
Texas 215
Utah 202
Vermont 216
Virginia 217
Washington 215
West Virginia 200
Wisconsin 208
Wyoming 200

[MomsintheGarden]

FYI - the top 50,000 PSAT scorers will be sent a letter in April with the offer from the NMSC to send their scores to up to two colleges. If your student receives this offer, you will know he or she has achieved Commended status.

-------------

Here is the official blurb, from

http://www.nationalmerit.org/nmsp.php

Program Recognition

Of the 1.5 million entrants, some 50,000 with the highest PSAT/NMSQT® (http://www.nationalmerit.org/entering.php) Selection Index scores (critical reading + mathematics + writing skills scores) qualify for recognition in the National Merit® Scholarship Program. In April following the fall test administration, high-scoring participants from every state are invited to name two colleges or universities to which they would like to be referred by NMSC. In September, these high scorers are notified through their schools that they have qualified as either a Commended Student or Semifinalist.

-------------

The whole page is good reading about NMSQT.

[Robin in DFW]

o

[choirfarm]

T.

Commended doesn't get you any scholarship money - not directly, anyway - but apparently it is definitely considered an honor and something students usually list on their college applications.

Well, I received 1/4 tuition at Baylor for being a commended student. So I think you might get some scholarship money out of it.

Christine