PSAT confusion with parents

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>Hmm...well..So I'm a sophomore this year, and I decided to take the PSAT's for practice like many of you guys, and I got the scores back. I ended up with a 231: 80 in math, a 77 in writing, and a 74 in critical reading. I was pretty happy with these. However, some grownups have told me that I need to get a near-perfect in order to qualify for the national merit awards, and I need to work really hard in order ensure that I don't make more errors in critical reading...Can anyone tell me if they're right and what kind of shape I'm in? (if i need to improve, if my scores currently qualify me for anything >_<)</p>

<p>Thank you :D</p>

2

<p>that's not true at all. with that score you should definitely make National Merit Semifinalist.</p>

3

<p>Lord, I'm a NMS semifinalist and I got way less than that--220. You could probably look up the stats for your state, since the cutoff score for qualification is different depending on the state. It was 219 for WA this year. If you're in MA, for instance, though, you'll very likely have to get a quite a lot higher score than 219 to qualify. <em>shrugs</em></p>

4

<p>Yeah in Texas the cutoff score is usually between 214-219</p>

5

<p>MA usually has one of the highest cutoffs, and that's been around 221. You'll definitely make it if you get that score again junior year (remember, sophomore year doesn't count).</p>

<p>In fact, a 231 is a score that many juniors dream about. It's way above average, and you should be really proud of yourself. That score is "near perfect" enough.</p>

6

<p>i got a 231 and am a semifinalist</p>

7

<p>Well, even if you had gotten a 240, it would not have mattered since your a sophmore. You just need to get those same scores next year and you'll be fine.</p>

8

<p>
[quote]
Well, even if you had gotten a 240, it would not have mattered since your a sophmore. You just need to get those same scores next year and you'll be fine.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>You can get the same score and qualify, but why not shoot for better?</p>

9

<p>bc... it doesnt matter?</p>

10

<p>I'm a Semi-Finalist with a 222 in PA. It depends on your state, but you would definitely qualify if you get the same scores next year! I wouldn't stress it at all, as long as you stay in practice with it. :]</p>

<p>You're in really good shape for a sophomore! <3</p>

11

<p>231 will get you semifinalist in any state.</p>

12

<p>Hey guys, I am happy with my scores, 70 math, 49 critical reading, 62 writing.</p>

<p>LOL. Way to go you guys.</p>

13

<p>Does 99%(the percentile section, below the score) usually make people into a semifinalist, or does it still depend on each state?</p>

14

<p>Technically, it still depends on the state. However, a 99% score is the highest possible percentile, and with this score you SHOULD be a semifinalist, with relative ease.</p>

15

<p>I got a 214, with all categories in the 99%th percentile, but according to my PSAT study book, living in MD, I still wouldn't have qualified for NMS. I believe it's the upper 99%th percentile.</p>

16

<p>I'm a semifinalist and I don't even know what I got. That's how important these scores are. ^_^</p>

<p>You'll be fine :D</p>

17

<p>Okay ^__^
Thanks for all the advice everyone! Now I get to tell my parents I was right :) ...and start on the SATs. :(</p>

<p>aw well...</p>

18

<p>with PSAT scores like that you shouldn't be worried about the SAT until at least next year!</p>

19

<p>my sophomore psat was a 214. now i have a 2400 on the sat!! haha, in your face, psat</p>

20

<p>^^ I hope that happens to me :)</p>