So my PSAT 8/9 scores just came in, and I'm a bit lost. Could anyone explain what these numbers mean? How do I know if I did well, and what should I focus on for next time to improve?
Glad to see you're taking an interest in understanding your PSAT 8/9 scores! Simply put, the PSAT 8/9 is a practice version of the SAT and it's scored on a scale of 240-1440. Your score includes two main sections – Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math, each scored between 120-720.
To gauge how well you did, look at the percentile that comes with your score. This compares your performance with that of other test-takers. If you're in the 50th percentile, for example, it means you scored higher than 50% of your peers. A percentile above the 75th is typically considered quite good for your age group. As you plan for the future, aim to improve areas where your score was lower. Practice materials are abundant – consider the Khan Academy for targeted exercises.
If you notice specific question types or subjects are giving you trouble, that’s your cue to focus there. Keep in mind that the PSAT 8/9 is ultimately a baseline to help you understand where you are and how you can prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT and eventually the SAT. Keep up the good work!
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