How are my PSAT scores?

Question

PSAT scores as a sophomore:

Critical Reading: 54
Math: 76
Writing: 74
Composite: 204

What are my chances of getting National Merit (Semi-) Finalist recogntition next year (as a Junior)? I know I can improve my current scores.

Answer 1

If you raise your critical reading score, your chances are good. you've got really good scores on the math and writing sections, so if you can get your critical reading score to the level of your other scores, that would put you well above the cutoff.
Well, it would depend on what state you live in: the selection index cutoff is different each year in each state. To get an idea of what you need to aim for in your state, this site has the cutoffs from recent years (although not this most recent year): http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showpost.php?p=2993607&postcount=662 . It may change next year, of course, but they usually only change by one or two points from year to year.
Anyway, study for the reading and you'll have a good chance of making Semifinalist (from there the step to Finalist is mostly about filling out the paperwork right, nothing to worry about). Good luck!

Answer 2

Wow very impresive, your chances better than most people but I think you need a 214 for national merit, if you take next year you will most likely be a finalist because your score should improve by atleast 10 points. In the mean time you may want to work on your critical reading section although it will probably improve next year when you're a junior. Anyways 204 is genius. Congratulations.

Answer 3

Your chances of getting into the program are good but being a finalist is very tough.

Also, a lot of the scholorships that are awarded through the NMS are to the offspring of employees of companies, I remember that from reading the PSAT info last year so I didn't care about it when I took it this year but otherwise overall your scores are very good, that would be 2040 on the real SATs at that level. I also think that you took the same PSATs as juniors who also took the test and so that's another big boost for you as well.

Answer 4

Check with library Web sites and do your very best. The people who will win will have applied for it and taken the test. If you can improve your score than you better improve it. But just taking it already will improve your score.

Learn how to do those skills quick. The more you can answer in a given time the higher your score is.

Remember the meaning of "THe Little Train That Thought He Could" - You be "The tenancious teenager who thought he was going to win the national merit scholarship and than did it."

See your self being interviewed on Oprah and saying: "Well I prepared but getting a perfect score was a mild surprise." All those AP classes whew that will save a lot of money.

Answer 5

Your math and writing scores are awesome.

However, you need to get your Critical Reading score up to at least low 700s (They like to see the scores in each section evenly distributed.. both for National Merit Scholarship and for your future SAT scores and colleges.)

I must say that you have a very good start considering that you are in 10th grade and 2040 on your first attempt at PSAT.

Best of luck to you

Answer 6

To bad, Most Millionaires did poorly in school so you are destined to be a simple employee.

Source : the Millionaire Mind.

Answer 7

Did you take those last saturday?
I didn't get my scores back yet :(

Answer 8

bad