The PSAT is only given once a year in the fall. The junior year PSAT is the one that counts.
They haven’t taken any of the usual state mandated standardized tests either? I have no data, but I would guess that kids who haven’t regularly scored in the top 10% of those sorts of tests are likely to suddenly ace the PSAT and get a National Merit Scholarship. Grades are less predictive. There are definitely merit scholarships out there for A- students.
But xiggi as convinced me that you should study for the SAT early and don’t take it “for practice” or a “baseline” - take it seriously after some real studying. Here’s some advice about how to go about that: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/68210-xiggis-sat-prep-advice-p1.html If you google xiggi method you’ll also see someone has uploaded a pdf of compiled a summary of that advice, however I have not check it out so can’t assure you it’s safe or accurately represents what’s on CC.
If they have been taking standardized state tests every year, their own guidance counselor probably can give you a notion of what range of PSAT/SAT/ACT scores they are headed for. There are very strong correlations between those things. If it is very clear that nothing short of a miracle would get them the scores that would qualify them for merit-based money, then the whole picture changes.
“I would guess that kids who haven’t regularly scored in the top 10% of those sorts of tests are likely to suddenly ace the PSAT and get a National Merit Scholarship. Grades are less predictive.”
That’s right. People who are good at one standardized test tend to be good at others. This includes seemingly unrelated tests, like the SAT and the bar exam.
I was helping a friend look up information on the 2015 PSAT/NMQST. Here’s the relevant webpage and it states to seek out the official 2015 PSAT Practice Test from your school counselor:
For some unimaginable reason, College Board refuses to release its annual PSAT Practice Test online and students have to obtain the booklet from school. Make sure your girls get the latest one that contains the new PSAT format.
You may want make your twins to take an unofficial diagnostic full SAT test this May or June. Some test prep places offer them for a fee or even for free. Most probably the results of this test will be eye opening and hopefully they will work extra hard on SAT prep during the summer. Worked very well for my daughter who took the results of her first diagnostic test personally.
I don’t know what state you are in but in Oregon, the state universities offer a Degree Partnership Program with the local community colleges. The student is admitted to the state U. and can live on campus in a dorm but takes a shuttle bus to the cc for as many undergrad classes as they like. This was a godsend for us! We are saving thousands. However, these programs are not widely publicized. My son’s high school guidance counselor didn’t know about it. Just something else to check into.
Whatever you do, make sure that your girls use nothing but College Board materials for the PSAT/SAT prep. Unfortunately, because of the format change, there is a dearth of official materials presently available.
Here is the Amazon link to the new “Blue Book,” which will release in June 2015:
It’s been some time since I worried about my D’s standardized testing but, at the beginning of her real prep (not the time she took the SAT for Duke TIP), I helped her with the “Xiggi method” (thank you, @Xiggi) in that she started by practicing one section at a time, made sure she understood all the questions and answers, all done without time pressure at the outset. It was time well spent because it helped D get used to types of questions and the wording of the questions, etc. IIRC, she was able to finish sections easily within the time limit after 4-5 sections because her familiarity with the question types worked in her favor and this greatly improved her accuracy.
Anyway, there is a link to the condensed version of the Xiggi method posted by mezzomom in Post #1 here:
Thank you, @AttorneyMother ! It is always nice to hear that my quick thoughts posted a decade ago do help some students and appease the fears of parents.
I used a modified xiggi with my kids and recommend the process to anyone who asks. xiggi, you have helped many. If only I could change your mind about UT coaches …
True dat, YDS. Perhaps I’ll get there when you change you change your mind about Jerry! What will come first a SB or a return to a championship in Austin? I’d be probably should settle for just a decent season and some signs of the return to normalcy for the Longhorns. I still hate the Patterson regime. Why did not get Mr. Luck?
