You Got Your Psat Scores Back - Now What?-Gmat Prep
Now that Psat scores are out, some of you might be wondering, "what was the point?" Colleges aren't going to see your Psat scores, so why did you even take it at all? Well the Psat is in fact a pretty leading test for several reasons. Now that you have your scores back, there are several things you should be doing.
Gmat Prep
1. Look Into the National Merit Scholarship
The Psat is the qualification exam for the National Merit Scholarship -- it's a pretty big deal, so if you don't know what it is, find out! Basically, the National Merit Scholarship is a ,500 scholarship awarded to 2500 students every year. Not only is it a great monetary reward, but the scholarship is also very prestigious. At this point, there isn't much to do; basically, all you have to do is wait for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation to publish their cutoff scores to find out whether or not you have a opportunity at the scholarship. If you're a sophomore, then you have time to put in order for next year, when you take the Psat for real.
2. Sat Score Prediction
The Psat is a good predictor of operation on the Sat. Both tests cover nearly identical material and have nearly identical formats (except that the Psat is shorter and does not have an essay). Multiplying a Psat score by 10 will give an approximate Sat score. Now that you have your Psat scores back, it's a good time to look at your strengths and weaknesses and rule what kind and how much Sat prep is needed to reach your target score. Fortunately, if you didn't do so hot, it doesn't in fact matter! What does matter is that you have time to put in order for the Sat, which does matter (a lot).
3. Begin Preparation
Continuing the above point, preparation is key to performing well on the Sat. The Psat was originally designed to be a custom Sat and a predictor of operation on the real thing. Use your Psat scores to help rule how to put in order for the Sat. Full classroom courses can help students who need a lot of help; hidden tutoring focused on specific topics can help those who only need help in positive areas; and solutions manuals and custom guides may be preferable to those who prefer to custom by themselves.
4. Look into Other Scholarships
Depending on your score, some of you can be pretty positive that you will at least be National Merit Semifinalists. If so, then it's a good idea to begin finding into other kinds of scholarships as well -- being a National Merit Semifinalist or Finalist will open a lot of doors. For instance, at Texas A&M University, National Merit Finalists may be able to receive a scholarship that covers their entire tuition for all four years! according to their website, this scholarship might even approach 0,000 for out-of-state students because of the out-of-state tuition waiver! Be sure to check out the schools you want to apply to for possible scholarships!
5. discover Trends in Colleges
According to Almanac of Higher Education, the five colleges with the highest estimate of National Merit Scholars in the incoming class of 2013 were Harvard, Northwestern, the University of Texas at Austin, Yale, and the University of Southern California. Even though colleges don't invite Psat scores as part of the admissions tell process, having a great Psat score can by all means; of course help your chances of getting into a top-tier school.