The PSAT/NMSQT is an optional test for high school students, serving as a practice test for the SAT and scholarship qualifying program. Students can improve their scores through free practice, software programs, and one-on-one tutoring. The test has three sections and scores are used to compete for the National Merit Scholarship. It is important to get enough sleep and eat a healthy breakfast on test day, omit questions if unsure, and check the scoring grid regularly.
The Preliminary SAT, also known as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), is an optional test offered to high school students during their second and third grades. It was developed by the College Board and is intended to serve as a practice test for the SAT® and as a scholarship qualifying program. Because the test can be taken twice, and it is only in the junior grade that scores are considered for a scholarship, many students are given the opportunity to improve their PSAT scores. One important way your child can improve their PSAT score is by doing free practice.
There are three sections of the PSAT: Mathematics, Critical Reading and Writing Skills. Each section is rated on a scale of 20 to 80; an average score for each section would be around 50. When the student takes the test in their freshman year, the scores are added to find a score known as the “selection index,” used to compete for the National Merit Scholarship. Each year you take the test, you will receive a copy of your scores, as well as a percentage ranking comparing you to other students in the same class who took the test.
There is no shortage of practice tests offered in schools, online, and in test prep books. Many are free, although some require a small fee. Additionally, there are many computer software programs available to help your child study for the test and improve their PSAT score, which in turn will help them achieve a higher SAT® score. Taking regular practice tests, timing them, and treating them as if they were the real test is an excellent way to improve a PSAT score. Software programs often include games to encourage students to have fun and learn at the same time.
Another way to improve a PSAT score is to study with a one-on-one tutor in particularly challenging areas. Also, the student should take the most difficult lessons that she can handle for her grade level. Students who study well for their classes will be able to apply the same principles to the test. Also, the student should be familiar with the test and read the instructions beforehand. Again, doing practice tests will familiarize him with the directions and the style of the questions.
On the day of the test, make sure the student gets enough sleep beforehand and eats a healthy breakfast. When conducting the test, the College Board recommends omitting questions for which the student is not sure of the answer, rather than making a random guess. This is because points are deducted for incorrect guesses, but not for omitted questions; these are simply not evaluated. It is also important to check the scoring grid regularly to ensure it is filling in the correct oval for the corresponding question. For your child to improve his PSAT score, there is no better method than careful preparation.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
