The PSAT scores are in!

Be sure to look beyond the scores when you review your student's PSAT/NMSQT® Score Report Plus. You'll find a thorough review of their performance and suggestions for improvement in school and out, as well as advice and tools for college and career preparation.

Scores

The student's PSAT/NMSQT scores are printed right at the top of the report. Each score—for critical reading, math, and writing skills—is based on a scale of 20–80. But the score is just the beginning. Other important data available on the report include score ranges and percentiles.
Score ranges show how much scores might vary if students were to take the PSAT/NMSQT repeatedly without learning additional skills. In other words, the scores within this range are considered "equal," statistically.
Percentiles compare the student's performance to that of other students. If student's are in eleventh grade, their scores are compared to the scores of all eleventh graders who took the test. If in tenth grade or earlier, the scores are compared to the scores of all tenth graders who took the test.

Review Your Answers

Here students will find the correct answer, the student's response, and the difficulty level of each question. For math questions, the general area of math covered is also indicated. Student’s should receive their original test book along with their Score Report Plus. Reviewing questions they got wrong is an excellent way for them to prepare for the SAT®. Encourage students to look into the reasons they got questions wrong.
Reviewing answers and going over difficult questions with a teacher will help students improve their skills and performance.

Improve Your Skills

This section lists some specific skills that students needs to improve. These suggestions are based upon their pattern of responses across test questions. Students will find personalized feedback on up to three critical reading and math skills and up to two writing skills. While other areas may also need improvement, the skills listed here are the ones that can be best improved through additional attention and learning. Students should share this information with their teachers because these skills affect classroom performance and are important for success in college.

National Merit Scholarship Corporation Programs

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) cosponsors the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). The scholarship competitions are for eleventh graders only. Eleventh graders are automatically entered into the NMSC scholarship competition. Qualification is based on the selection index—the sum of critical reading, math, and writing skills scores. In September, NMSC will notify, the principal of students who have been commended or are eligible for continuing in NMSC scholarship competitions.

Educational Plans

This section offers college major information. Before the test, students provided their grade average and the college major their considering. Here students find a description of the major they chose and recommended high school courses that will help them prepare for college-level work.

My College QuickStart™

All high school students will receive My College QuickStart, a free personalized planning kit that complements their score report. Students can find it online at www.collegeboard.com/quickstart. With the unique access code printed on their score report, students will have access to the following features: Students can plan for the future with MyRoad.

  • Complete answer explanations for every question on the PSAT/NMSQT. The online score report also includes state percentiles and projected SAT score ranges. 
  • A personalized SAT study plan, based on her PSAT/NMSQT performance. My SAT Study PlanTM provides practice SAT questions, including those that test higher-level math, as well as sample SAT essays, written by actual test-takers.
  • Interactive and in-depth college and career planning with MyRoad™. Your child can take a validated personality assessment, learn about her personality type, and receive and explore major and career suggestions. Your child will have access to MyRoad throughout high school.

Next Steps

With the help of teachers and counselors, students should use the information provided on the PSAT/NMSQT Score Report Plus and My College QuickStart to improve their academic skills and plan for college or a career. Students can take the following next steps:

  • Review their high school transcripts with their counselor and select strong courses for next year that will help them reach their education and career goals.
  • Consider taking AP® and honors courses in high school.
  • Take the PSAT/NMSQT again in the fall of the eleventh grade, if in tenth grade.
  • Register for the SAT in the spring, if in eleventh grade. Register online for SAT tests. 
  • Get involved in extracurricular and community activities. College admissions officials weigh the contributions students will make to the college community.
  • Visit collegeboard.com for Action Plans for all four grades in high school.