Decoding the PSAT/NMSQT

Bernadette Bechta: Blackboard Basics

In October, a shorter version of the SAT is administered throughout the country to sophomores and juniors in high school. It is the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. This test is normed to high school juniors although 10th graders usually take it for practice and diagnostic purposes, which I will explain later in this blog. The College Board administers the PSAT and it is the screening test for the NMSQT, which is a scholarship and recognition program administered by a separate organization. To become a National Merit Scholarship Candidate you must:

1. Be an 11th grade student
2. Be a U.S. citizen
3. Plan to attend a four-year college
4. Graduate next year
5. Spend four years in high school; i.e., not graduate early

Typically, a NMSC scores in the 96% and the cutoff score for 2010 graduates was 221 in the state of Maryland, which equates to an SAT score of 2210. These students took the test in October, 2008. The cutoff number for semi-finalists can vary from state to state and this data is available to all high school guidance counselors. State universities typically offer scholarships to NMSQT finalists that average from $4,000 to $11,000. Once a student reaches the cutoff score they will be evaluated on other factors like Letters of Recommendation, Essays, and Transcripts to enter into the finalist category. Additional information can be found at www.nationalmerit.org.

However, for all 10th graders and the 11th graders who take the PSAT, it is primarily a diagnostic test for the upcoming SAT. The Critical Reading section has questions ranging from easy to medium to hard. The Math section has Geometry, Algebra, and Data Analysis and is intended to test your critical thinking skills. There is no essay on the PSAT but the Writing section contains sentence structure and grammar questions. The student is asked to self report his/her GPA, Major interest of Study, and future educational plans.

Once a student takes the PSAT he/she will receive a CODE number that can be used to access a career planning kit. It is personalized for each student based on his/her score and is an important tool for the preparation experience. Each student who took the PSAT should consider doing the following:

1. Set up a College Board website account using the Access Code on the PSAT/NMSQT paper score report.
2. Go to My College Quick Start (www.collegeboard.com/quickstart) and access the following information:
a. My Online Score Report – an enhanced score report with test questions, your answer, and the correct answer with answer explanations. This information will help you understand your strength and weaknesses on your PSAT test.
b. My SAT Study Plan – Prepare for the upcoming SAT with personalized plan based on your test performance (includes a free practice test).
c. My Personality – This is a new feature available to PSAT test takers. Take a personality test to learn more about you and find majors and careers that fit your strengths and interests.
d. My College Matches – Get a starter list of colleges (based on your home state and indicated choice of major) to help you begin your search.
e. My Major and Career Matches – Learn about different majors and careers and see what courses you should take now to be successful later.
3. Once you review all of this information, you can develop a study plan for the SAT test that suits your learning style.

Studies show that the PSAT is a very helpful test for 10th and 11th graders to take as a diagnostic and preparation tool. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about yourself. Get started today!


Bernadette Bechta serves as the main academic contact for all players and parents in Baseball Factory's Exclusive Program. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher and advisor at the high school level, Bernadette will provide families with guidance on topics ranging from application essays to financial aid. In addition, Bernadette’s two sons have both gone through the Exclusive Program, so she knows the ins and outs of the process from a parent’s perspective.

The College Essay

Bernadette Bechta: Blackboard Basics

This time of year is sometimes called the college application season. Seniors are feverishly working on them while balancing difficult classes and showcasing their baseball skills. The college essay seems to be the stumbling block. When a senior sits down to write their essay, they stare at a blank screen or paper for a long time and just can’t seem to get started. This is understandable because the essay does have an impact on their acceptance or rejection. For some stellar students, a poorly written essay can raise doubts on your suitability despite good GPA and SAT/ACT scores. A borderline student can capitalize with an engaging essay that stands out and helps them avoid getting cut.

So, what is the purpose of the college essay?

The college essay must be authentic, engaging, and error-free. The application process includes your GPA, a measure of your high school performance. Next, the SAT/ACT examines your critical thinking skills and gives the college another indicator of your potential success in college. An Academic Resume allows you to summarize your extracurricular involvement, skills, hobbies, and goals. The Letters of Recommendations validate your academic performance in the classroom. Teachers will write about your potential and evaluate you in relation to other students they teach. The college essay, however, is your opportunity to give the Admissions Committee insight to your personality, your character, your own personal journey. It may take many forms. Finding the right topic is the first crucial step. Keep in mind that the essay should be “a slice of life” rather than a summary. Your resume is the summary; the essay is a close up of an activity, a relationship, a victory or a defeat. You want to stay away from the typical essay topics. That is, your homerun in a big game, the buzzer beater to win the championship, explanation for your bad grades, and essays about relationships with people that rarely mention you. Remember, the essay is supposed to make the reader want to meet you.

I remember attending a presentation for a top notch university and someone in the audience asked the Admissions Counselor about the best essay he read this year. He replied that the question was “Tell us about one of your collections.” A potential applicant replied that she had a collection of paperclips that she collected over her high school career that symbolized different accomplishments, obstacles. She had a color code for them. At the end of high school, she arranged them into a sculpture and that is what she wrote in her essay. I was stunned at first, but when the Counselor said she sent a photo of the collection and he couldn’t wait to meet her, it made sense. So that is the first goal. Your essay should be sincere and make the reader want to meet you. Let’s examine some other dos and don’ts.

1. Do pick a topic that shows your passion. You can write about baseball, football, your sister, your Eagle Scout Project, your summer internship, really anything, but it must be written to show passion and detail about some aspect of this activity.

2. Do include some specifics. One essay question that intrigued me was “Write about page 268 of your 500 page autobiography.” Perhaps there is a single incident that you could detail. Include some dialog. Describe the setting. Tell the impact the scenario had on you. This is the purpose of the essay question.

3. Do check your spelling and grammar. Several times. Also, have at least two people review your essay and critique it. Don’t be overly sensitive. It is an important part of the editing process.

4. Do watch your word count. Most essays need to be between 300 and 750 words. Each application tells you the limit. Adhere to this limit; otherwise, your essay will truncate when the school prints it out. Be mindful of this as you write. Get your ideas down the first time, and then consolidate your ideas and sentences into more concise sentences.

5. Don’t include all your extracurricular activities in your essay. Your resume and application detail those elements. Instead choose a single topic.

6. Don’t be too trivial. A little humor is fine, but don’t overdo it. Your topic can be light but be respectful of the purpose here.

7. Don’t include essays that reveal controversial topics like religion, politics, personal stands on war, abortion, etc. You could subconsciously alienate the reader.

8. Don’t write about your grandmother, grandfather, sister, brother, and not define what impact they had on you. Although the committee is glad to see your have had good relationships with your family, they want to know something about you.

9. Don’t be a braggart. Somehow find a way to incorporate your success into a meaningful story.

10. Don’t use too many commonly used words. There are some overused words you should avoid. These words include some of the following: amazing, awesome, bad, beautiful, big, good, great, happy, interesting, nice, quite, really, so, very, well.

As you write your college essay, try not to consider it a chore. It really is a blank canvas that you can create in any direction you choose. Just follow the do’s and don’ts and you will be proud of your finished product. Also, remember that an important essay like this can take several hours. Few people can write a polished essay the night before an application is due. Use the tools provided in Microsoft Word: word count, spelling and grammar checks, and the thesaurus, Good luck to you!



Bernadette Bechta serves as the main academic contact for all players and parents in Baseball Factory's Exclusive Program. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher and advisor at the high school level, Bernadette will provide families with guidance on topics ranging from application essays to financial aid. In addition, Bernadette’s two sons have both gone through the Exclusive Program, so she knows the ins and outs of the process from a parent’s perspective.

How Do They Do It?

Bernadette Bechta: Blackboard Basics

As the regular MLB season draws to a close, we ready ourselves for the playoffs. Who will make it? Who has the best record? How many games will be won in a single season? The Yankees record of 92-52 (.639) leaves us with a sense of awe, whether you root for them or not. How can you maintain such a strong record over a season? I am sure the management reflects back to an extra-inning game in April, maybe another one in May, a ninth inning rally, or a magnificent performance from a closer. Consistency and the ability to win close games make a difference in a season.

Each fall during freshman orientation I enjoy greeting high school students with their wide-eyed enthusiasm for high school. They get a fresh start on their academic transcript and I try to impress upon them the importance of consistency. Sometimes I use the analogy of a puzzle. Freshman year is like carefully placing the end pieces of a puzzle. You have to do it, but it brings little satisfaction. Sophomore year you add the background, somewhat bland at times. The pieces are getting more interesting, but no real challenges yet. During junior year, the image comes together, a picture is formed. These are the pieces that enable you to analyze the final image of the puzzle. You almost see it. Finally, in senior year, the puzzle comes to life. It is complete. I ask the freshman on that very first day, “Do you want the corners of your puzzle to have coffee stains, tears, missing pieces?” I comment, “How would that puzzle look when you (hypothetically) take it to a colleges admissions counselor and explain your high school career.

Unlike a 500 piece puzzle, you can’t take a do-over of your freshman, sophomore, or junior years of high school. You must take care of business at that moment. Each day is an opportunity for you to learn something, get a good grade, work to your potential, and contribute to your cumulative GPA, a strange word in your freshman year. But ask a senior about it. Many of them wish they studied harder earlier in their high school career. Others wish they stayed after school for extra help to perform better on a test, especially when teachers offered their help. Some admit they wasted time on video games, television, Facebook, and mindless activities instead of building consistency into their high school academic plan. Lots of seniors even wished they listened to their parents’ and teachers’ advice. Imagine that!

Just like the Yankees, most students have a good manager (parents), good teachers (hitting and pitching coaches), and good teammates (friends). What they lack is the ability to visualize how they will feel in their senior year. They can’t imagine asking themselves, “Did I work as hard as I could?” Or “Could I have taken harder classes in high school?” Maybe even, “Would it have made a difference in my future?”

Most times, the students with the high GPA’s were consistent, dedicated, organized, and efficient. You don’t just have to be smart to have a good GPA. You need the whole package. Just like the Yankees this year. Remember that each individual assignment might matter. Complete it with personal pride. Study, study, study for all your tests. It’s important that you approach each class with the same enthusiasm and vigor that Derek Jeter does for the Yankees. At the end of the season he has “NO REGRETS” and neither should you. That is how you accumulate a good record in baseball, and in school, a winning GPA – your record for your high school career.


Bernadette Bechta serves as the main academic contact for all players and parents in Baseball Factory's Exclusive Program. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher and advisor at the high school level, Bernadette will provide families with guidance on topics ranging from application essays to financial aid. In addition, Bernadette’s two sons have both gone through the Exclusive Program, so she knows the ins and outs of the process from a parent’s perspective.

A Good Bunt Can Make A Difference!

Bernadette Bechta: Blackboard Basics

When a student asks for a letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, or employer, it brings a sense of stress with it. It reminds me how the batter must feel when he is asked to bunt. It is not a glamorous part of the game, nor does it help the batter’s average, but being able to bunt in key situations gives you another dimension to your game. However, you must “get the bunt down” to be a success. Recommendations accomplish the same goal. They will not likely hurt you because it is assumed you will only ask those teachers that know and like you. Yet a well written letter of recommendation will certainly strengthen your college application package. It will make you memorable to the Admissions Committee.

Last year, after many years of teaching, I received a thank you note from a notable college regarding my Letter of Recommendation for a student. The letter stated “Your letter enabled us to assess this student in a different light and it made a difference in her acceptance. Thank you for giving us insight into this candidate.” When the student told me of her acceptance, I was thrilled for her. I remembered taking time to write this student’s letter because I did think the school was a stretch for her. However, she really wanted to attend the school. She came after school and talked with me frequently about her dreams and ambitions. She worked really hard in my class, took extra time after school if needed, and was always prepared for class. The bonus was that she was a positive and pleasant student all the time who frequently tried to help others. When I wrote her letter, I incorporated all these characteristics into my letter. It was easy for me to write about her because I knew her well.

When you are a student in a high school or college class, take the time to express yourself well both in papers, tests, and verbally. If you become an active participant in classroom discussions, teachers can see how you think and analyze. When you see your teacher in the hall, be the student who says “Hello Mrs. Bechta”. It always impresses me because I try to do the same to each and every student by speaking to them by name. Ask questions when you don’t understand because it demonstrates that you want to learn the subject matter. Always do your homework and study for every test. A teacher takes pride in those students who learn the subject matter they are teaching.

Your letters of recommendation should come from 1 or 2 core subject teachers; i.e., Math, Science, English, Social Studies, or Foreign Language. You might include a Coach, Administrator, or Athletic Director as well to address your success as a student athlete. Sometimes an employer can address your reliability, your work ethic, and your professionalism; traits that might not manifest themselves in a classroom. You do not need to select only those classes in which you received A’s. Sometimes an effective letter addresses how hard you worked and your sense of determination.

I often hear players complain about bunting. It is what it is, but it can make the difference. I will always remember a Regional playoff game that my older son was playing en route to an eventual state championship. It was a pitcher’s duel. The score was 0 – 0 in the late innings. With a runner on third, he was asked to lay down a squeeze bunt and it worked. They won the game. So there it is- sometimes a bunt can make a difference and so can a well written Letter of Recommendation. Choose them wisely!

Bernadette Bechta serves as the main academic contact for all players and parents in Baseball Factory's Exclusive Program. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher and advisor at the high school level, Bernadette will provide families with guidance on topics ranging from application essays to financial aid. In addition, Bernadette’s two sons have both gone through the Exclusive Program, so she knows the ins and outs of the process from a parent’s perspective.

Boost Your Mental Acuity!

Bernadette Bechta: Blackboard Basics

Summer reading lists can cause groans among high school students. However, the time you spend reading and preparing for standardized tests over the summer can drastically improve your performance in the fall and spring test dates. During the summer months your mind is free from homework, tests, and the daily school routine, so it is the best time to improve your reading and testing skills.

Proper preparation certainly has its rewards! One of my most memorable students is one who could not afford to enroll in a SAT prep class yet needed a high score to receive an academic scholarship. Instead, she decided to read at least 20 books each summer to improve her comprehension skills and vocabulary. The result: a perfect SAT score (1600/1600), a college scholarship, a fellowship for her Ph.D. She is now a Professor at a prestigious university. The lesson here is to visit the library often this summer; checkout books on various topics, look for audio tapes for those baseball trips and college visits, and practice, practice, practice for those SAT tests.

There are several approaches to SAT preparation.

1. If your schedule and budget permits, you can enroll in a SAT prep class that meets your schedule. However, check out the references, ask questions, and determine if the class format meets your learning style. Look for a program with flexible makeup dates that coincide with your summer baseball schedule.
2. If you are disciplined with your time, you can work with SAT Prep books. This can be an effective strategy that allows for flexibility. However, you must work on a regular basis (at least 6 hours/week in the summer), and take Practice Tests and analyze the results. I surveyed my students and included some of my favorites, so here is a list of what I consider to be the best SAT Prep books on the market right now: Bernadette's Favorite Summer SAT Prep Books and a Few Others.
3. Hire a one-on-one tutor. This approach always helps the student who is trying to improve their score to a certain level. A tutor can personalize your approach to the test and help you to analyze your previous scores.

Additionally, while you are visiting colleges this summer and driving to showcases, camps, and clinics, try reading one of these books, mostly sports topics, for pleasure.

Great Sports Stories and more...

Consider reading to be your summer workout for the mind. When you go to the gym, stop at the library. When you pack your baseball bag for a trip, toss in an audio tape or SAT prep book. Give up an hour of ESPN each day to work in your SAT Prep book. The results in the fall will show in your mental acuity; that is, a buff mind!

Bernadette Bechta serves as the main academic contact for all players and parents in Baseball Factory's Exclusive Program. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher and advisor at the high school level, Bernadette will provide families with guidance on topics ranging from application essays to financial aid. In addition, Bernadette’s two sons have both gone through the Exclusive Program, so she knows the ins and outs of the process from a parent’s perspective.

Be a Closer!

Bernadette Bechta: Blackboard Basics

Spring is an exciting time of year! High school seniors are preparing for graduation, Advanced Placement tests, and their Senior Prom. Underclassmen will take state-required assessment tests that determine graduation eligibility. They hope to get their driver’s license and strive to have a strong junior season. Spring sports’ news and scores fill the morning and afternoon announcements. Spring fever definitely hits many student athletes right about now. Many teachers can be heard discussing the fact that athletes care more about their ERAs than their GPAs. This is also a dangerous time for student-athletes. Keep the basics in mind as you close this school year:

• It is more important to be a ‘finisher’ as well as a ‘starter’. Your end of the year grades are the ones that end up on your transcript. Do what you need to do in the fourth quarter and final exam to secure the grade you need and want. Visit the Guidance Counselor to help you determine the needed grades.

• Advocate for yourself with teachers. If you are struggling in a class, stop in after school on a regular basis to ask your teacher questions. Schedule an appointment on the day before a test to seek extra help. Teachers admire this trait in students and coaches will understand if you tell them ahead of time.

• Manage your time. Sometimes when you are in-season with a sport, you have to prepare ahead of time. If you know you will have a test on Friday, do some preparation on Sunday. Read the textbook and make notes so that you can review before the test. Your weeknights can be stressful with practice and games, so you must use your weekend time wisely.

• Keep track of your grades. If necessary, use a grade sheet to record each assignment and ask the teacher to record your grade at the end of each week. You will soon learn the importance of each assignment and recognize how a quarter grade evolves over a period of time.

• Stay focused on your goals, both academic and athletic. Don’t let anyone or anything distract you. Summer will soon be here and you will have time then to catch up with your social activities.

• Treat your teachers, coaches, parents, staff, classmates, teammates and yourself with respect. You will soon be asking for letters of recommendation and they are an important part of your application. Coaches will soon be selecting team captains for next year. You will be remembered tomorrow for who you are today!

Remember, it’s the score at the end of the game, not the end of an inning that determines the winner of a baseball game. There are many championship teams that get off to a slow start, yet finish strong to earn a postseason berth. A team’s record at the end of a season is what determines whether they qualify for playoffs. So, whether you are closing the school year as a sophomore, junior, or senior, each academic milestone builds into your student record.

Successful students complete their homework every day, they prepare for test day, and strive to perform well on the last exam. The same is true for baseball players. They practice hard, play to win each pitch, make each play without error, hit every ball hard, and try to make a difference on a team in every game. Everyone wants to end the season on a win. Try to be the “Closer” who cares about the ERA, as well as their GPA, SAT, and class rank.

Bernadette Bechta serves as the main academic contact for all players and parents in Baseball Factory's Exclusive Program. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher and advisor at the high school level, Bernadette will provide families with guidance on topics ranging from application essays to financial aid. In addition, Bernadette’s two sons have both gone through the Exclusive Program, so she knows the ins and outs of the process from a parent’s perspective.

Invest in the Tests

Bernadette Bechta: Blackboard Basics

In the spring, students feel the anxiety of testing. Some students are preparing for the Advanced Placement (AP) tests in various subjects while others are preparing to take the SATs/ACTs for the first time as a junior. The SAT Subject tests are also taken in the spring and are required at about 150 colleges around the country. What do all these tests mean for the prospective college applicant?

Let’s start with the AP test. If you are enrolled in an AP class, an International Baccalaureate (IB) program, or if you are taking a rigorous Honors class and study from an AP test book, you should consider taking the spring tests. A score of 4 or 5 at many schools could yield college credit. If you calculate the internal rate of return on this $75.00 investment (cost of the test), you could realize quite a return on this investment. Having a course or two “on the bench” as a reserve could help you as you meet graduation requirements with a busy baseball schedule. An individual course at college ranges from $1000 to $5000. That’s a good call for any high school student. If you are successful in these classes and perform well on the tests, this is a good indicator to a college that you are well trained and capable of college work.

I often receive questions from parents about the SAT vs. the ACT. Let’s compare them. The SAT test lasts approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes and includes an essay. The essay is scored by two or more readers who grade your essay from 2-12 with 12 being the highest score. Practice and preparation can help your score on the SAT test and random guessing will penalize you. The maximum score for the SAT is 2400 with a grade for Math, Critical Reading, and Writing and a separate score for the essay. The recommended strategy is to take the test two or three times. The College Board publishes a book, The Official SAT Study Guide for the New SAT, which has eight practice tests. It is a good study tool.

The ACT is well known in the Midwest and the South. It has sections in Math, Reading, English, Science Reasoning and an Optional Essay. The maximum score is 36 and the essay is scored on the same scale as the SAT from 2-12. The test lasts 3 hours without an essay and 3 hours 45 minutes including the essay. There is no penalty for random guessing. The ACT has traditionally been known as more content-oriented than the SAT. The questions are linked more to the high school curriculum than to critical thinking and problem solving. Check with your Guidance Office for preferences at individual schools.

Finally, if some of the selective colleges on your list require the SAT Subject tests, consider taking them in May/June as you finish a class. The test consists of three one-hour tests. These are content-based tests, designed to measure a student’s mastery of a specific subject. Test prep books and software programs can help with preparation. New research shows that these tests are a better indicator of academic success than the traditional SAT because they are directly related to curriculum.

As you can see, testing is an entire subject in itself. The expression "No Pain, No Gain" applies here as you prepare for all of these tests. Your time and effort could yield you great returns. The Dean of Admissions at Rollins College gave a candid response to the question, “How much do tests count?” He said, “At most institutions, standardized test scores count less than students think and more than colleges are willing to admit.” However, keep in mind that testing is only one part of the evaluation process. Your GPA, extracurricular activities, special talents, and service are also important. For more information, check out College Board or ACT.


Bernadette Bechta serves as the main academic contact for all players and parents in Baseball Factory's Exclusive Program. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher and advisor at the high school level, Bernadette will provide families with guidance on topics ranging from application essays to financial aid. In addition, Bernadette’s two sons have both gone through the Exclusive Program so she knows the ins and outs of the process from a parent’s perspective.

How Green Are You?

Bernadette Bechta: Blackboard Basics

It was nearly 40 years ago (April 22, 1970) when I attended the first Earth Day celebration at Belmont Plateau near Philadelphia hoping to stir an awareness of environmentally-conscious movements that included organic gardening, earth shoes, and solar energy; recycling wasn’t considered at this point. Progress has been continual since then but many young people today have been stirred after watching Al Gore’s documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth.” Colleges are reacting also and “going green” initiatives can be found on many campuses today. In fact, colleges feel these environmental movements can attract students and parents who see this involvement needed and necessary.

High School and College campuses are brimming with young people eager to make a difference. Princeton Review now has a category called “Best Green” colleges and Harvard tops the list. These campuses are going beyond recycling and energy efficiency and are staging Green Move-Ins and Green Move-Outs where recycling clothing, furniture, and food will benefit the communities and e-cycling is big: computers, batteries, CDs, etc.

What does this mean to you, the potential college applicant you might ask? Well, if you are involved on your high school campus in an environmental club, a bicycle co-op, a green initiative to save the trees, showcase it on your Academic Resume. Start a club, work with the local community, do some research, work with your Science Teachers. Colleges want to be enterprising in this area and you can help them. MIT now offers $20,000 grants for energy research. There are competitions for earth friendly resident halls. College Administrators are concerned about your quality of life while on their campuses. If this happens to be one of your passions too, let your favorite college know. It might be a difference-maker.

To learn more, check out these articles:

• Princeton Review: College Guides Open New Chapter With Green Rating
• CSE Live: Princeton Review College Guides Open New Chapter With Green Rating
  
• USA Today: Going Green Registers with Colleges

Bernadette Bechta serves as the main academic contact for all players and parents in Baseball Factory's Exclusive Program. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher and advisor at the high school level, Bernadette will provide families with guidance on topics ranging from application essays to financial aid. In addition, Bernadette’s two sons have both gone through the Exclusive Program so she knows the ins and outs of the process from a parent’s perspective.