Your student's PSAT scores are in. Now what?
Beyond the test score itself, PSAT results offer valuable information about your student's academic strengths, areas for improvement, and next steps for SAT or ACT preparation. Here are four ways to put those results to work:
1. Look Beyond the Total PSAT Score
It's natural to focus on the total score first, but some of the most useful information is found by digging a little deeper. Start by reviewing your student's Reading & Writing and Math scores. Then, look at the Knowledge and Skills breakdown within each section to identify relative strengths and areas that may need attention.
Look for Patterns, Not Just Points
Instead of lamenting every missed question, look for patterns! Does your student perform better in one category than another? Are there particular skill areas that stand out as opportunities for improvement?
These insights can make future preparation more targeted. Rather than studying everything equally, your student can begin focusing on the areas where additional work is most likely to make a difference.
It’s important not to overlook strengths. A good preparation plan includes maintaining skills your student already performs well.
2. Use the PSAT as an SAT Baseline
The PSAT and SAT are closely aligned, which makes the PSAT a useful early measure of how your student might perform on the SAT right now.
The important phrase is right now.
A PSAT score reflects your student's performance at one point in time. It does not predict what they will ultimately score after additional coursework, practice, and preparation.
Don’t just ask, “Is this a good PSAT score?”
Try asking, “What does this say about my student’s starting point, and how can I help them get where they want to go?”
Put the Score in Context
Every student will have a different testing goal. A starting score only becomes meaningful when you consider your student's college goals, their timeline, and how much improvement is needed.
The gap between the starting point and the goal is a significant factor in determining how much preparation and what kind of testing timeline may be appropriate.
3. Compare the SAT and ACT Before You Choose
A PSAT score provides a useful SAT baseline. What it does not tell you is how your student might perform on the ACT.
Before committing to SAT preparation, consider having your student take a diagnostic (practice) ACT. Some students perform similarly on both tests, while others find that one test is a clearly better fit for their strengths, pacing, and/or test-taking style.
Comparing PSAT and practice ACT results can help your student choose which official test(s) to register and prepare for, rather than spending time preparing for both the ACT and SAT. No college or university prefers one test over the other, so students should feel comfortable committing to the test that they are stronger with and like better.
4. Turn the Results Into a Testing Plan
Once your student has chosen between the SAT and ACT, it's time to build a testing plan.
Consider their target score, when they plan to take their first official test, and how much preparation they may need. Be sure to account for coursework, extracurricular activities, AP Exams, final exams, and other commitments.
Working backwards from a test date can help your student establish a realistic preparation schedule, with enough time to improve and retest if necessary.
The goal is not to start as early as possible. It's to allow enough time to reach full potential without putting unnecessary pressure on the student.
Your PSAT Score Is a Starting Point
Your student's PSAT results don't tell you where they will end up. They tell you the student’s starting point. Use the PSAT results to identify strengths and gaps in knowledge, establish an SAT baseline, compare the SAT and ACT, and build a testing plan that makes sense for your student.
Not Sure What Your Student's PSAT Results Mean?
Our team can help you interpret your student's scores, compare the SAT and ACT, and determine when and how to begin test preparation.
