<p>On the SAT, it depends where you miss the questions. You can usually miss two and still get 800 on the CR section (though sometimes only one incorrect answer is allowed). On Math, you can almost never miss any. On Writing, you can usually miss zero with 10 essay, one with 11 essay, and two with 12 essay. In theory, you could leave six questions blank (three on CR, one on Math, and two on Writing with 12 essay) and get 2400 on a test date with especially generous curves. On the other hand, you could miss one question in the wrong place (Math) and occasionally fall to 2360.</p>
<p>Is there an exact reason why the grading curve can differ from one test to another?</p>
<p>Differences in difficulty.</p>
<p>The curve differs from test to test based on the performance of all the test takers. There is no pre-determined curve. Rather, the curve is calculated based on cutoff-like standards which vary based on how difficult each section is.</p>
<p>Hey, if anyone has any really tough math questions that they just can’t solve- post them here and we’ll try helping! (yeah, i’ll try my best).</p>
<p>Are you all going to take the SAT in the fall also? Do you suggest October or November, Before or after the PSAT?
My d’s school takes PSAT on October 27, so she could know her SAT score before taking the PSAT. Would you rather know your SAT score beforehand? Would you freak out if it was low, or become over confident if it was really good?</p>
<p>I am going to be a sophmore and all I have been doing is the SAT question of the day and other practice questions. I have a ton of summer homework and not that much time to study for the PSAT.</p>
<p>Hey Yankee- I would personally suggest your d to take the SAT in November. The PSAT is going to be good simulation for the SAT. Additionally, while taking the PSAT if she sees that she needs practice in a particular area, she still has time to hone her skills.</p>
<p>no wonder i got a 70 in math section of psat, but i’m taking bc calc junior year.</p>
<p>@ crimsonivy: Yeah, I haven’t done anything to prepare for the PSAT either. Does our sophomore score really matter though? I thought the one from junior year was used to determine NMSC qualification.</p>
<p>Sophomore scores do not matter.</p>
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<p>Not in the scheme of things, they don’t. However, having a good sophomore year score can’t hurt for bragging rights.</p>
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<p>I can definitely relate to that at our school. Fortunately, I’m the one with the bragging rights. :)</p>
<p>The real bragging rights come when you take the SAT. However, I don’t get bragging rights no matter how well I do- students in my school really don’t care.</p>
<p>Just curious- how many words are there in the Direct Hits List (both volumes)?</p>
<p>400 definitions total but some definitions have multiple words with the same meaning, so maybe around 430 words?</p>
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<p>It sucks because I made a bet with a friend that I would beat him on sophomore PSATs. I lost $10 that year because of a 3 point difference. I was too scared to play my cards junior year. Should have earned my $10 back because this time I beat him by 12 points.</p>
<p>My son was a Merit scholar, and I think it was worth preparing for the PSAT because if you score well you can get scholarship offers from schools.</p>
<p>Yes, I think I’ve heard of that too. The National Merit Organization isn’t the only one to give scholarships for high PSAT scores.</p>
<p>Thanks for chiming in Mindy!</p>
<p>Wait you get 2500$ just for getting semifinalist? What about finalist?</p>