PSAT Test Information for Every Test Taker
As we all know, SAT is administered for undergraduate admissions into various colleges in the United States. However, not every student absorbed into the undergraduate programs can afford to pay the educational fees. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), a non-profit organization takes the responsibility to help such students based upon their merit. In order to filter candidates for the scholarship programs, the NMSC, in collaboration with the College Board administers the PSAT, which is alternatively referred to as the NMSQT.What is PSAT?PSAT is the abbreviation for Preliminary SAT and NMSQT is the abbreviation for National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Apart from the authentic NMSC scholarship program, there are a couple of other programs as well (NSS, NHRP and Telluride Association). More about the scholarship program details can be obtained from the link: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat-home/about/scholarships.htmlAlthough PSAT is a scholarship test, it is believed to be firsthand practice for the actual SAT test. Many students take the PSAT in order to assess their performance since this test is very similar to SAT. One can access the fullinformation on PSAT from the official College Board website ( http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat-home/reg.html). The College Board takes full responsibility in designing the test, administering it and monitors the scoring processes. Hence, it is the most authentic source of information that you might need.PSAT Test Information for Every Test TakerWe can basically divide the PSAT test information that every aspirant should certainly keep a track of into two categories. The first category of this information includes the pre-test information and the other one includes the post-test information. The pre-test information is nothing butinfo about the PSAT test centers, test dates, test pattern and syllabus in order for you to prepare for the test. The post-test information is about the scoring methods, cut-offs for selection and application processes.One of the most important aspects that is a bit unconventional in the present day world is that you cannot register for the PSAT online. You shall have to approach your high school and should ask for the registration procedure. For this, you should note that only the high schools that are the members of College Board are authenticated to administer the PSAT. If your high school is not allowed to administer PSAT, you shall have to approach another school in your locale.All about PSAT TestInformation that is very important for every test taker is presented in the following points.
- The PSAT is administered just twice in a year. For the year 2014, the test dates of PSAT are October 15 and October 18. There are no official test centers to administer PSAT and only high schools administer the test. For moreinfo concerning administration, dates and registration, refer to: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat-home/reg.html
- The PSAT consists of three sections in all. They include Math, Critical Reading and Writing Skills. All the questions of the PSAT are multiple-choice questions except for 10 questions in the Math section. These 10 questions are referred to as open-response questions and they need to be answered on a grid.
- Each of the individual sections of the PSAT is scored on a scale ranging between 20 and 80 points. This scoring technique is analogous to SAT scoring, which ranges between 200 and 800.
- The total score that you obtain on a scale ranging between 60 and 240 is referred to as the Selection Index. Based upon the selection index you achieve, your selection into further pool of competition will be let known to you. For more information on scoring and selection related PSAT information, refer to: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat-home/scores.html
This is the brief knowledge that you should perhaps have. Although this test is not administered online, Internet is really a great source for you to obtain good materials for making your preparation for the PSAT edgy. For those of you who are in dire requirement of a scholarship, securing a great score in this test would be a triumph.