<p>I'm in 8th grade...and today we took a practice PSAT test in math class just to see what it's like, and I scored a 544...which is REALLY low. And it seems like everyone in my class scored a 600 or above...I'm really nervous...am I overreacting? It's only 8th grade, and I'm only in Algebra I...so scoring a 544 isn't TOO bad, right? I've never gotten anything less than an A in anything, so it was a swift kick in the butt when I saw my score...I will learn more to improve my score up to at least a 700 by sophomore year, right? Is a 544 not too shabby for an 8th grader</p>
<p>Yes. You are in middle school. It's good that you're concerned, but sometimes too much concern can work against you. </p>
<p>(The people I know of that scored well on the SATs were pretty laid back about it.)</p>
<p>don't worry about... plus when you do get the big jump when you're a sophomore, it'll be more impressive... as compared to an 80 pt jump for me... :) just hang in there, i'm sure u'll be fine</p>
<p>oh dear. i am sorry if you are just in 8th grade and are so fretting like so. i mean, when i was that age, i didnt even know what college was, honestly; let alone standardized tests. (actually, i took the ACT in 7th grade, but still) and i have many classmates who have lower than 550, and i am a senior!</p>
<p>Don't worry. I'm a freshmen in high school and the PSATs have no bearing on me. I haven't even taken it. In fact, as a freshmen or 8th grade standarized tests or anything else don't affect you at all in college admissions.</p>
<p>Your score is not stellar and in fact, it is about average. Were you not feeling well that day? I suggest that you enroll in a test prep class soon and re-take the entire PSAT. (Did you take the SATs already? How were your 7th grade SAT scores?) Identify the areas of weakness and work on those areas. I imagine that your math level (Algebra I) affected your score because the PSAT has geometry on it.</p>
<p>Good luck. It is never too early to start working on those all-important standardized tests.</p>
<p>Beth</p>
<p>what's wrong with you? they're in 8th grade!!! i know people who scored in the 400's in either grade for both sections that ended up getting 1500+... the simple fact is that in 8th grade you have yet to learn geometry and trig, 2 things that are present on the sat, this probably accounts for 100 or so points, through hs you will refine your math skills and u'll be fine... 540 is nothing to be ashamed of in 8th grade!</p>
<p>For all due respect, disregard beth98. You don't need to be worried; you're doing absolutely fine. At the rate you're going, by the time you take the SATs, you will have gotten better through the grades, and you'll score a "stellar" score.</p>
<p>if i may offer the comparison of 2 students to prove that you're doing fine?</p>
<pre><code> 7th grade 8th grade 11th grade
</code></pre>
<p>student a... 480 530 760
student b... 720 790 800</p>
<p>original difference of 240 pts... now? 40 pts... student a is also ranked 11... i'm student b :) rank 24/410... the point is... everything balances out in the end</p>
<p>I jumped from a Freshman PSAT score of M + CR 1190 to a Sophomore PSAT score of M + CR 1360 with minimal prep (a practice test and skimming through a book). You're in 8th grade---you've got so much time to improve. Relax. Your concern already puts you ahead of the game.</p>
<p>In response to beth98...I've always scored in the top 1% on the California 7th grade standardized test and on my private school admissions test I did too...</p>
<p>And thanks for the responses, everyone! I've feeling a lot better now...I'm glad that I still have two more years.</p>
<p>3? junior year too! u don't take the sats till march or maY!</p>
<p>Well yeah but don't you take the PSATs in sophomore year? Which determine whether you're eligible for National Scholar or something like that?</p>
<p>yea... that curve is harsh... 800 math ii, 800 math i, and i'm in calc bc as a junior... yet i got a 76* 1 wrong... god i hate that curve... but actually my friend in alg II got an 80, so just goes to show you once again not to put much weight on these tests...</p>
<p>I'm in BC too and i got 73 two wrong. and i've seen people in algebra 2 who have 80. Really frustrating but that's how SATs goes.</p>
<p>i don't see why your school even gave you the test in 8th grade. 9th grade maybe, but 8th grade? Also, the PSAT only counts in Junior year before that it is just practice.</p>
<p>My response was tailored to the individual who posted their scores. My perception is that this person is concerned and wants to score as highly as possible. If that is the case, then this person can take specific steps to increase his score. If one wants to specialize in excelling on standardized tests, it can certainly be done. The test is teachable, especially if you have taken geometry and some advanced math. But you have to work at it and I was suggesting that the person do exactly that.</p>
<p>I personally would rather spend my time doing a hundred other things, but that's just me.</p>
<p>x___infatuation, you are in a great position! You seem to care about your academic performance, which is very mature for an 8th grader.</p>
<p>What you and your parents want to do is, over the summer, come up with an academic plan for your high school years. Map out the high school courses, some extra curricular activities, test preparation courses, etc. you want during 9th, 10th and 11th grades. Even start practicing writing college application essays and handling yourself in interview situations.</p>
<p>The reason why I say 9th-11th instead of 9th-12th is that you will start submitting college applications in the fall of 12th grade, and your high school transcript needs to be exceptional for 9th-11th grade. Colleges really don't make admission decisions based on what you do in 12th grade, except for SAT and ACT scores.</p>
<p>But most of all, allow yourself to have some fun. Unless you are taking the PSAT to get into a program for gifted students such as CTY, just come up with a 3-year or 4-year academic plan and enjoy the rest of 8th grade for now!</p>
<p>Allow me to refer you to this</a> thread for combined SAT score improvement from 7/8th grade to junior year</p>
<p>As you can see there's plenty of people jumped from scores similar to yours to the 1500's and high 1400's. Personally, I think middle schoolers shouldn't be allowed to take the test, what's the point? It's all about what you DO in the next few years. So continue excelling in school, read some good books, and for the love of god, don't worry about these things for a few years. enjoy what's left of your youth before collegeboard sucks it away. ;)</p>