<p>^Creekland - You are right about this year’s students performing better than last year’s. The 99th% for test takers in 2009 was 212-221 and the 99+% was 222-240. For test takers in 2010 the 99th% is 214-223 and 99+% is 224-240. So there was a 2 point increase in scores.</p>
<p>^^ And do you know if the curves were the same? Did a -1 = 76, etc, for both years?</p>
<p>^^^</p>
<p>I don’t think each section has the exact same curve…It may turn out that way, but I think each section is curved on its own.</p>
<p>Last year’s Math was -1 = 79 and -2 = 75; Writing was -1 = 78 and -2 = 73; Reading was
-1 = 77 and - 2 = 76. These were Wednesday’s scores. Saturday’s were different.</p>
<p>Ok, the curves support that 2010 was an easier test. For the math, it was 3 points of a curve harder this year (kind of matches many cut off increases, no?). That means far more than they wanted got perfect scores or just missed one. Chances are, to make the cut offs similar to other years they really needed to curve it even more, but they opted to go for higher cut offs instead. They have a fixed number who can make it, so something else has to give.</p>
<p>While it’s entirely possible the class of 2012 is that much smarter than their 2011 peers, I highly doubt it, esp with the feedback from multiple students talking about how easy the test was.</p>
<p>(And yes, I’m aware the curve is set for each section, each date. 
)</p>
<p>Well since it seems their results indicate the test in Fall of 2010 was easier, I certainly hope they don’t make the test given this fall much harder!</p>
<p>My D will be taking it again this year, but she’s a junior so it counts this time!!</p>
<p>The difference is Silverturtle’s guide! :-)</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Yikes! I suspect they’ll try to make this one a bit more difficult so they aren’t in the same position again. It’s just a hunch, but a terribly plausible one.</p>
<p>HOWEVER, everyone taking the test this year will be in the same boat, so she’s still competing against the same students and the curve will still reflect the top students taking the test that day, this year. Best of luck to you!</p>
<p>My youngest will be taking it Wednesday, but he’s a sophomore, so no pressure at all.</p>
<p>S takes it this year (next month) as a junior too. Texas is looking awfully competitive now.</p>
<p>Yes, Texas is scary competitive now. My D was in the 220’s and I was coasting along all smug about it and she only beat the cutoff by 4 points! I can’t imagine if she has been 218 and I would have been fairly confident and then had my hopes dashed…Sorry to anyone in that position. It easily could have been us.</p>
<p>
Statistical blip. Upper end PSAT scores were about 2 points higher across the nation (as has been shown) as the test doesn’t stay absolutely constant each year. States typically swing ±2 points every year. +4 states simply combined a natural upswing with the overall test trend.</p>
<p>If there is a socioeconomic facet to it, why this year, the third of a tenacious economic downturn, and not previous years? Why aren’t there similar increases in SAT scores, which are actually used to determine admission decisions? I need more evidence of actual change than has thus far been provided.</p>
<p>Congratulations Debbie7452. So is D planning on attending school offering NMS, if you do not mind me asking?</p>
<p>Thank you! Yes, D has strong desire to not have us pay anything for her school. However, we her parents want her to be happy where she goes. Texas A&M runs in the family and her sis already goes there so that is already her first choice. I told her we could pay some for her to go to her true first choice. Alabama is strongly in the running though. We are going to visit with an open mind!</p>
<p>A&M does NMS but it seems to add up to only half of costs unless we get one of the larger foundation awards. Maybe they will try to match Alabama’s offer if they really want her. She has SAT 2290, CR+M 1540, #6 in her class, good EC’s. Wants to major in Chemistry. Right now I’m just holding my breath to see what develops.</p>
<p>I didn’t want to clog up the score thread so I figured I’d post here. Our HS just announced our NMSF’s in today’s announcements: only 2 this year including a girl who scored a perfect ACT & SAT last year so no surprise. Least we’ve had since 2007.</p>
<p>In addition, on another thread a parent noted that she “got an email from the school stating that the state of Texas is going to pay for all juniors to take the PSAT this year.” With the jump in scores this year, and what seems like an incentive for a lot more juniors in TX to take the PSAT next month, I wonder what that will do to the cutoff in TX next year.</p>
<p>Do any other states pay for all juniors to take the PSAT? We’re in an ACT state, so a lot of kids don’t take it and we pay a whopping $15.</p>
<p>^RobD - I googled your question and interestingly enough, NY pays for 10th and 11th graders to take the PSAT. </p>
<p>[Yearly</a> Testing - Student Achievement Resources - New York City Department of Education](<a href=“http://schools.nyc.gov/Accountability/resources/testing/default.htm#PSAT]Yearly”>http://schools.nyc.gov/Accountability/resources/testing/default.htm#PSAT)</p>
<p>Oregon pays for only their 10th graders to take the test.</p>