How to USE and READ your PSAT score report?

Several parents have already contacted me regarding PSAT scores...in other words, started to panic. Consequently, I have decided to send a special edition newsletter on how to use PSAT scores. By now, most of you have perused (probably skimmed) the colorful over-sized paper filled with data, known as the PSAT Score Report. The paper is filled with letters, numbers (including percentiles), and other stuff. Intimidating? Absolutely. However, don't make the mistake of not using this information. After all, you paid for the test and the score report.

Sit down and carefully review your score report. Pay attention to percentiles. In print, you will see a percentile. If a section score is below the 50th percentile, don't panic. Realize that scores can - and most likely will - increase. Just remember to be realistic.

Reading scores are the most difficult of all the scores to increase. Students who are serious about raising their reading scores will need to read a lot more and to learn new vocabulary. Just reading for school is not enough.

Most importantly, rework your PSAT without time limits. Refrain from sneaking a peak of the answers. Grade your test, and see if you were able to correct some of your earlier mistakes. Chances are, you did. Remember, the SAT is a "detail oriented" test. If you have corrected your test properly, you should be able to describe why you missed each problem in words. In fact, I make my SAT students keep an error log. Students who ace the SAT, simply limit their mistakes.

Should you take the SAT or ACT?

I encourage most students to take both tests. Generally speaking, almost all schools will accept either SAT or ACT scores. Nearly all schools consider the tests to have equal value; although, there is some evidence that ivy league schools prefer the SAT. To be safe, you should talk to the colleges or universities of interest to find out if they have a preference.