Tag Archives: PSAT

Ask Test Masters: 6th Grade Prep?

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Jessie
Ask Test Masters

You ask and we answer! Do you have question about college admissions, applications, entrance exams, or anything pertaining to college preparation? Drop us a line at Ask Test Masters, and we will answer your question in an upcoming post! Question:  “Was wondering if I need to be worrying about this yet… my daughter is in 6th grade.  Any key items I should be on the look-out for in Jr. High? (hoping not)” – P. Answer: The “right” time to begin preparing for tests like the PSAT, SAT, and ACT varies from student to student based on individual score goals. Some … Continue reading →

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What PSAT Scores Make the Cut for National Merit?

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Will
MapofUS

Now that PSAT scores have been received, the question that most people want answered revolves around the cutoff scores for National Merit Semifinalist standing. In other words: What is the minimum score that will qualify me to be a National Merit Semifinalist? This is certainly an immensely significant cutoff, mainly due to the benefits and scholarships that come with being a National Merit Scholar. As mentioned before here, the 16,000 National Merit Semifinalists from the class of 2013 will be notified sometime in August/September. As you eagerly await this announcement, here is some context for determining how close your score … Continue reading →

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What is the 2011 PSAT cutoff Score for National Merit Scholarships?

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Compass
National Merit Cutoffs

A Timetable for Receiving October 2011 PSAT Scores You took the PSAT in October and have probably received your scores back by now. Hopefully, the burning questions in your mind at present are centered around the National Merit Scholarship competition: How well did I do? What is the PSAT cut-off score for National Merit Scholars this year? When will I know what the PSAT cutoff is? The answers to these questions, fortunately, are simple enough, although many require patience. As a start, here is a link to the PSAT Test Dates and Deadlines on the College Board website: http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/psat/deadlines Here … Continue reading →

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You Got Your PSAT Scores Back – Now What?

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Compass

Now that PSAT scores are out, some of you might be wondering, “What was the point?” Colleges aren’t going to see your PSAT scores, so why did you even take it at all? Well the PSAT is actually a pretty important test for several reasons. Now that you have your scores back, there are several things you should be doing. 1. Look Into the National Merit Scholarship The PSAT is the qualification exam for the National Merit Scholarship — it’s a pretty big deal, so if you don’t know what it is, find out! At this point, there isn’t much … Continue reading →

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A PSAT Afterthought – What of that “intended major” bubble?

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Jessica

Last year, I decided that the hardest thing about taking the PSAT was filling out the student information sheet. You know, where you put in your name, school, etc. This may seem rather strange if you’ve never taken the PSAT, particularly since my score left a fair bit of room for improvement. However, if you have taken the test, as all sophomores at my school are required to, you might recall that the information sheet is long, exceptionally complex, covered in long columns of bubbles. Additionally, there is an entire sheet of codes for your “intended major.” I found this … Continue reading →

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A Last Minute Post on the PSAT

Posted on October 10, 2011 by Jessica
Seriously though, the ASVAB tests accuracy and speed not depth

The best thing about schools is sometimes, they find themselves a sense of humor. It doesn’t happen often, but when they do, it’s almost always laugh-out-loud hilarious. For example, the typical procedure for PSAT testing is that if you want to man up and take it, go ahead. Or, you can sleep in until ELEVEN O’CLOCK. Seriously. Who would take it under those circumstances (me, but that’s beside the point)? Nobody, that’s who. So this year, the district decided it would be fun to watch some juniors cry tears of despair and utter exhaustion, and make all of them test. … Continue reading →

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I Missed The PSAT – Can I Make It Up?

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Compass

The answer to that question is yes, you absolutely can! We know, the test is still a week away, but anything might come up on the morning of the test. Better to know your options beforehand rather than freak out. Many people don’t realize that if they miss the PSAT due to illness, emergency, or other extenuating circumstances, they still have a chance to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. The National Merit Scholarship is a highly prestigious $2,500 scholarship prize given to 2,500 students around the US every year. The PSAT (also known as the NMSQT — National Merit … Continue reading →

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A Brief History Of The PSAT/NMSQT

Posted on June 27, 2011 by Compass

A Brief History of the PSAT/NMSQT: Money Makes the World Go ‘Round. Okay, so that would be too brief. If you’re still reading, you probably want the full scoop, so here goes…  The PSAT/NMSQT is no ordinary standardized test. As the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship, the PSAT/NMSQT is the Cerberus that guards the gates to a $2500 scholarship prize and a slew of other desirable benefits — a leg up in the admissions process, the prestige of being a National Merit Scholar, and sometimes even full scholarships to certain universities. When money is involved, the rules are different; … Continue reading →

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PSAT – What Is It? Why Is It Important?

Posted on June 20, 2011 by Compass
psat class

Most people have at least heard of the PSAT, but many don’t really know exactly what it is. Is it just a practice SAT? Do colleges look at PSAT scores? Why does the PSAT even matter, if at all? How is the PSAT related to the SAT? The purpose of this article is to shed some light on what the PSAT is, how it differs from the SAT, and why it’s important to take it just as seriously as the SAT. The PSAT and SAT are similar exams published by the College Board that are designed to test a student’s … Continue reading →

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Who Is El Maestro?

Posted on June 6, 2011 by El Maestro
I am El Maestro - Conqueror of SAT / ACT Standardized Tests!

Greetings, alumnos. I am so pleased to be able to speak to you. I am here to help you through any and all exam problemas you may encounter. However, before I hear about you, let me tell about me. I grew up a poor farm boy in the city of Guadalajara. We grew a variety of foods, but the seasons were not always good to us. Mis padres would spend the days sowing much but reaping little. However, they always knew that, if we saved enough dinero, I would eventually attend college and become a great success. But first, I … Continue reading →

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