Decoding the PSAT/NMSQT
Bernadette Bechta: Blackboard BasicsIn 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.
Labels: bernadette bechta, decoding, PSAT, scholarships







