PSAT/NMSQT and PLAN

“This is a test, this is only a test. If it had been the actual exam, you would have been told to worry and prepare more. In the event of the actual test (SAT or ACT) you will have wanted to take the PSAT and/or the PLAN, use the study guides and pretest information, do your best, get plenty of sleep, and eat a good breakfast.”

PSAT Information

The PSAT provides students a good early opportunity to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses without risking college acceptance. This multiple choice test is usually taken by 11th graders, and serves as a “tune up” to the SAT.

The PSAT is divided into 3 parts- the verbal, math and writing skills areas. Your “selection courses” are compared with other students scores who took the test the same time as you. Your “percentile” scores are those comparisons. For example, if your score is the 75th percentile, 75% of the other students scored lower than you. The average selection scores for juniors may range from 47-49…the corresponding “selection index” (the totals) may range from 144-147.

NMSC Information

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s qualifying scores are computed by adding the three scores together. This number is called the Selection Index. The maximum total score is 240 (80/section). Scholarship eligibility is determined by the PSAT scores from only the Junior year (or 3rd year of high school). You will note the asterisk(*) if your scores are not eligible for NMSC consideration. If you are eligible for NMSC recognition, you will be notified through Community High School in September of your senior year.

PLAN

The Preliminary ACT, usually taken in the 10th grade, is called the PLAN This multiple choice test is taken voluntarily as a “tune up” to the ACT, will be provided to every sophomore, and will be administered the same day as the ACT is given to juniors in March. The PLAN also contains a valuable career and personal inventory that can be helpful in subsequent course and college planning. Cost: No Fee (provided by the AAPS).

General Information

If you are a Junior, it is recommended that you take the SAT and/or ACT during the last three months of the school year. If you are a sophomore, you will take the PLAN this year and should retake the PSAT next year and begin SAT/ACT testing in the last three months of your junior.

If you wish to improve your scores next time, try studying using test prep materials, internet, computer programs or courses. The CHS Counseling Office has some of these materials for your review. For your information, your PSAT scores are not reported to colleges, but you may request it if you wish them to be. Most scholarships, however, would be granted on the basis of SAT or ACT scores, not the preliminary test results.

Need more help understanding your scores? Talk to your friendly Community High Counselor. Remember, if college is in your future, colleges are seeking students with strong academic records and achievement in non-academic areas such as extracurricular activities, athletics, personal experiences and/or community service