The EDUFAX Educational FAQ

Question #35:

Please interpret my PSAT scores: Verbal=51, Percentile=55; Math=43, Percentile=29; Writing Skills=41, Percentile=17; Selection Index=135. (courtesy Alexis M. Kimball, Lithonia, GA)

Answer #35:

Your verbal score of 51 is comparable to a 510 on the SAT, which is just about at the national average of 500. Fewer than half (45%) of the test-takers in this administration performed better than you. Your math score of 43, comparable to 430 on the SAT, is a bit below the national average of 460, and since it falls in the 29th percentile, indicates that 71% of test-takers on that day scored higher than you. Your writing skills score (41, 17th percentile) indicates that 83% of test takers on that date performed better than you. This score should alert you to speak with your English teacher about some effective interventions. The Selection Index is a measure which is used to determine which students are eligible for merit scholarships. The formula for calculating eligibility for commendation and semi-finalist or finalist status has been recently changed. The Selection Index is now determined by the sum of the three components of the test. This still gives greater importance to the verbal score, since only one math section and two verbal sections are included in the calculation. In most states (and the selection cutoff varies from state to state), the Selection Index for finalists and semi-finalists in the Merit Scholarship Search is close to 200. If you are a sophomore, then these scores have no meaning or value other than practice. If you are a junior, they indicate you should do some preparation in both verbal and math areas if you are interested in looking at competitive colleges. If you believe that the PSAT scores do not seem to reflect your general academic performance, now is a good time to have the school or a private testing psychologist perform an educational evaluation to rule out or verify the existence of a learning disability. If there were other factors which might have impacted your performance (e.g.: illness, extreme anxiety, external disturbances) on a particular administration date, discuss them with your guidance counselor or educational consultant. I would like to remind you that the Educational Testing Service now tells students that it is possible to prepare for these types of standardized tests. Take their advice! Preparation can make a world of difference. EDUFAX provides Verbal Test Prep Tutorials (PSAT/SAT I/SAT II/ACT).

Students who read this question were also interested in: Q.#66 : Does my PSAT Writing score count for the National Merit Scholarship? Q.#110 : What is the PSAT-Composite? If this information was helpful, please click on the smiley

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