Eighth grade students at BMS take the PSAT 8/9 mid-October and results are returned in December/ January.
According to College Board, the student score report is designed to both clearly summarize the student’s current achievement levels and to help guide and encourage appropriate next steps to increase college and career readiness. It is used to determine if a student is on track for college readiness, evaluate relative strengths and weaknesses and to define their next steps in test preparation.
The SAT Suite of Assessments (which include: PSAT 8/9 test, PSAT/NMSQT test, and the SAT College Admissions test) have slightly different test score ranges, however, it is important to note that each test is normed (compared) by grade level in their percentile scores. For example, if a student is in the 59th percentile, then they scored equal to or better than 59% of students taking the test.
The total PSAT score shown in this report is the sum of the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section (score range 120-720) with the Math section (score range 120-720). The total score reported range for the PSAT/NMSQT is 240-1440.
Test Prep for SAT/ACT
The PSAT test will give an indication predictor for performance on the SAT test. The SAT test is used for college admissions. There is no need to take a “baseline” SAT test to see how your student will perform because the PSAT serves this function. Students can begin test preparation for the SAT through the Khan Academy as detailed via the College Board account. It is important for students to have a solid SAT (or ACT) test score by the end of junior year. For college admissions, students need EITHER an SAT or ACT test score. Both ARE NOT REQUIRED FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS. So, the important thing is for students to use whichever test is the higher score (SAT or ACT).
Here are some helpful next steps for your student:
1. Create a College Board account at studentscores.collegeboard.org and get your full PSAT/NMSQT score report. (Availble mid-December)
2. Create a Khan Academy account and link it to your College Board account for free SAT practice.
3. Use other tools like BigFuture, which are available via your online score report.
You may contact your student's counselor with any questions or visit https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-8-9/inside-the-test