I’m a sophomore who just got my PSAT back since my school gets them early (yay!). Next year I want to go for NMSF, which will be difficult because my state’s cutoff score is 223. I was wondering if I’m on track to have a good shot next year if I keep studying. Here are my results.
Overall Score: 1450 (99th percentile, and an increase of 110 points since my last test in August)
EBRW: 750 (+50)
Math: 700 (+60)
I’m in precalculus, so I have all the necessary math experience.
I missed one question in reading and one in writing and language.
Obviously, my major weakness is math. I got five questions wrong and I’m going to analyze what I was missing to solve the questions correctly so I can improve.
I think you have an excellent chance especially since your stronger areas are reading and writing. What math are you taking next year? My son is a junior and taking AP Calc AB and AP Stats. He felt like AP Stats helped him on the PSAT and SAT this year. By the way- I don’t think anyone with a 700 in Math as a sophomore can call it a ‘major weakness’, a relative weakness perhaps, but not major by anyone’s standards. Good luck to you!
@Redslp Thank you! I’m taking AP Calc BC (it’s required for students in my level of precalc) but I don’t know if I have room in my schedule to take AP Stats next year. If not, I’ll definitely take it senior year.
You’re right, my math score isn’t a major weakness. It’s just what I need to improve the most. Thanks again!
@SincererLove Thank you! I always try to check my work with any extra time I have. My time management on the math section has improved tenfold, so that’s probably why I did so much better this time. I appreciate the advice!
I’ll give you a suggestion on timing - think about taking the regular SAT in October next year and kill 2 birds with one stone by doing extra studying (either on your own or schedule a prep class) in September. You are in great shape with your current score.
@ChangeTheGame Yeah, that’s one thing I’m worried about. I took Algebra 2 over the summer and Geometry during my freshman year, so it’s still fresh now but it might not be by next year. I’m a math tutor at my school, so I’m hoping that’ll force me to keep my math knowledge fresh.
@washugrad My school requires all juniors to take the SAT in December, so that’s what I’m planning to do. We’re also required to take the ACT (yikes!) but my focus is very much on the SAT. Thank you for your insight!
@AzolesRale My son (hs junior) tutors math as well and it has been a big help keeping his algebra and geometry skills sharp for standardized testing. You know what you are doing and good luck on next year’s test.
@ChangeTheGame Thank you so much! I love being a tutor and I’m glad I can learn something through helping others. Good luck to you and your son as you start the college process next year!
@AzolesRale Are you me, lol? Got a 1470 sophomore year, barely any EBRW mistakes, bunch of math mistakes despite being in precalc…
The one thing I cannot recommend highly enough is UWorld for math - there are codes for free SAT question banks floating around on Reddit or you can pay for full access, but either way the math questions given are spectacular. Be sure to do ~40 questions a day, TIMED, and write down the explanation given for any question you get wrong. UWorld math is more difficult than actual SAT math. Also, on test day, WATCH FOR CARELESS ERRORS! Check your answer by working backwards for every question, check your answer sheet bubbles, everything!
I studied for about a month for the October SAT with it and got 1 math mistake (1590), and got a 1500 just now on the OCtober 13th PSAT (750 EBRW, 750 math, 225 SI) so I know it works. Good luck with your journey!
