<p>This past October I took the PSAT and I think I did really well... I'm only a freshman so I have no clue how to interpret my scores. Any help is appreciated:</p>
<p>Does the selection index of 163 mean that my score was 1630? What is perfect: 2400?</p>
<p>Also, it says that my percentile means I did better than 74% of college-bound juniors. How accurate is that result? If it's accurate, I have a lot to be proud of, right?</p>
<p>What is the best way to prepare for the SAT? I would like to improve my score for my sophomore PSAT and then do very well (who doesn't?) on the actual SAT in my junior year.</p>
<p>It’s good for a freshman. But you should probably work hard in school to get those up. It’s way to early to be thinking about targeted test prep.</p>
<p>Yes, converted SAT score would be 1630 out of 2400. That’s good for a freshman, but don’t get cocky. Better than 74% of juniors is accurate (not like they would make up some percentage), but remember, that includes all those idiots who are taking the test as well.</p>
<p>You did pretty well for a freshman, but you have a ways to go before you take the actual SAT. Your selection index basically says that, if you took the SAT cold (the day you took the PSAT) you would get a 1630 (out of a possible 2400). To give some perspective here, the average person scores a 1500 on the SAT. </p>
<p>Don’t worry too much about studying for the SAT right now. The PSAT does not count for anything until your junior year (National Merit…if you do well, you can get scholarships; either way, colleges will <em>never see your score</em>). Your score should naturally increase as you take more advanced math and English classes over the next 2 years. Pay attention in class and read good books…you’ll do just fine.</p>
<p>How much more could my math area improve? You say that it will increase as I take more advanced math courses. I’m currently in Algebra 2 which is where the average Junior is as well. Will taking pre-calculus and calculus really help that much?</p>
<p>These scores are very good for a freshman, but they will naturally go up quite a bit in the next two years, even without any special test prep. I think even though you’re in Algebra II now, they will go up quite a bit. Just applying yourself for more years seems to make a difference. For now just focus on doing well in school and your scores will certainly go up by the time you take them again (next year I’m presuming?) </p>
<p>Basically, don’t start studying until you have to, because a lot of knowledge will just come naturally. Good Luck! :)</p>
<p>I actually have some friends who are in the same boat as you (I’m a junior). Freshman year, they started out in advanced math classes, are currently in PreCalc/CalcBC, etc., and are struggling a bit with SAT Math. </p>
<p>For the SAT, you need to know the fundamentals of Algebra I/II and Geometry…thus why I said that, after taking these classes, people’s scores tend to go up! But a good chunk of SAT Math is good old number reasoning and logic. All the theorems and advanced math in the world won’t help you with that (which is what my Calc friends are coping with!) SAT Math isn’t rocket science, but you do have to be able to recognize the test writers’ tricks and reason quickly.</p>
<p>Thanks again for the input. I’ll just wait until next year when I take it again. Hopefully I will see some improvement. If not, I’ll be back! :p</p>
<p>I really like that CollegeBoard sends back the test booklet as well as the answers I provided and the answer key. I really need to sit down, go through it and correct my mistakes to discover what I did wrong. I’m known for making such stupid tiny mistakes that render a completely wrong answer. :rolleyes:</p>