#  >> Standardized Tests >> PSAT

How to Score PSAT Tests

Released in 1959, the PSAT is a standardized exam that prepares high school underclassmen for the SAT. Like the SAT, it tests math, writing and critical reading aptitude. Unlike the SAT, however, it has no timed essay or experimental section. In 1971, the National Merit Scholarship Program began using PSAT scores to select scholarship recipients, and many colleges give scholarships to National Merit Finalists. Taking exams from previous years is one way to prepare for the PSAT, and those who practice this way must learn how to score the tests.

Instructions

    • 1

      Count the number of correct, incorrect and omitted responses for each section -- math, writing and critical reading.

    • 2

      Score one point for every correct response for each section.

    • 3

      Deduct 0.25 point for each incorrect answer as a guessing penalty, and don't add or subtract points for omitted responses. For example, the writing section has 39 questions. You will earn 33.25 points if you have 34 correct, 2 omitted and 3 incorrect answers. The math section, however, features a 10-question free response segment that has no guessing penalty.

    • 4

      Round the total to the nearest whole number. The rounded number is your raw score.

    • 5

      Convert your raw score to a scaled score, which ranges from 20 to 80 points. When you purchase an old exam, you will also get a conversion table. Each individual test has its own conversion table, and the scaled score is adjacent to the raw score on the conversion table.

    • 6

      Add the three scaled scores to calculate your overall PSAT score, which ranges from 60 to 240 points.

Learnify Hub © www.0685.com All Rights Reserved