<p>I live in Texas so the National Merit cut off is probably at 220 (usual cut off for CA, but I figure TX would be the same or a little less). THat means I have to get like a 73-75 on everything. The only reason I am so worried about PSAT is because I can go to this Uni for free if I get a high score.</p>
<p>So anyway, my problem is I can't seem to ever make anything higher than around 700. Has anyone else had this trouble? Its like when you're trying to loose weight, there's a point where it seems you just cannot loose anymore. I don't really know what do to to push me to get just a little bit higher. I don't want to believe its impossible for me to get an 800.</p>
<p>The only good news is, they'll give me the same amount of money for doing the National Achievement thing (NMF for black people). But I don't know what that cut off is.</p>
<p>It's not really easy to get 800's on either verbal or Math.
So, do not get discourages or plan something out other than going to college.
Thanks.</p>
<p>As a fellow soon-to-be junior, I sympathize. I have to beat the NY cutoff score of 218 to qualify for National Merit. I really, really want to qualify for this but I haven't done so spectacular on practice tests. </p>
<p>I think it's definitely a feasible goal if you practice a lot. There's 2+ months left to raise our abysmal scores. You need to pinpoint your weaknesses and work separately on each item. Mine happen to be math and writing. I can never finish the math sections on time and I'm worried that I might have to skip like 3-4 questions on each math section. I'm not a grammatically conscious person either but I just reviewed from a grammar book for a week and already, my scores have improved. Practice with these type of questions until October and I would be suprised if you don't hit a 75. </p>
<p>I think you get where I'm going with this one. The PSAT's and the SAT's somehow have this aura of being this invincible test but in fact, they're very coachable. If you practice like a maniac, you can reach it!</p>
<p>By the way, what are your weaknesses? We might be able to give you specific tips.</p>
<p>I'm taking the PSAT's this fall too (I'm a rising junior) and even though you might not have books to study w/, I've found some good tips of the internet. You might want to try looking there</p>
<p>The cutoff for National Achievement is typically around 190.</p>
<p>Maybe you can get used review books for free from graduating seniors or from juniors who took the PSAT. Lots of time, people are glad to get rid of those books, and the books have barely been used. Just ask around.</p>
<p>Wow, I wish I had prepared for the PSAT. I actually had no idea there was even a Writing section, and had never learned any grammar before. So I did terribly (on all sections) and got 192.<br>
After some prep for the real SAT, I got 2280. Without the essay (on the PSAT) it would have been a 234, well above National Merit cut-offs. O well, it's too late now.</p>
<p>Yes, you see all those math questions I'm asking? Because I suck at math and I know that will be the hardest for me to get. The WR and CR are easier because all the answers are right INSIDE the question. I suppose i just need to keep memorizing my errors.</p>
<p>The trouble is with Math... the explainations annoy me. Because when they begin explaining, they start out with a number that seems to have been pulled from out of the blue to me! I really wish I had gotten Rocket Review or something, but its too late now. I'm going to bug you CCers until the day of testing and i hope you all won't mind.</p>
<p>Why is it too late to buy RR? I plan to buy Grammatix in the upcoming week. Do you guys think 2 months are enough for me to review with it? I thought so...</p>
<p>
[quote]
If you are black, there are MILLIIONS upon MILLIONS of other scholorships. Dont worry.
[/quote]
I know that, but the trouble is can I GET those scholarships? Scoring high on the PSAT is the only garantee at some affirmitve action money for me.</p>
<p>Its too late because I've used up all my money. Now I can only use what I have and you CCers. And Grammatix was way too expensive.</p>