The PSAT scores are finally in, and though a month late, it's important to understand how to see the scores and decipher what they actually mean! In the past, the PSATs had four main scores: the critical reading section, math section, writing section, and a total score. The highest one could score on each section was an 80, with a highest total score of 240. That was simple enough...throw simple out the door, as everything is different now!

As of January 7, sophomores and juniors who took the PSATs in October should have received an email from the College Board alerting them that their scores were available. If you missed this email or never received it, students can login to their College Board account. If you never created a College Board account, you can do so by going HERE.

OK, so once you are in the system, select the PSAT/NMSQT scores (make sure it is for 2015) or if that doesn't work, try searching for Missing Scores. If this still does not locate any scores for you, most likely you need an ACCESS CODE. You can receive this from your guidance counselor. This should do the trick, and your brand new 2015 PSAT scores will be there for you to see...and understand...maybe.

Once you finally access your scores scores, there will be a lot of information on the page to digest in order to understand them. You can also visit the Princeton Review website for another clear breakdown of what the scores mean and the "Understanding Scores" page on the College Board site also does very well explaining scoring. Finally, the "Scores Resources" page the College Board website also ha tons of resources on getting your scores and understanding them.

There are 3 main scores, just as there will be on the new SAT: Reading/Writing, Math, and a Total Score. The score range on each section will be 160-760, meaning the highest possible score someone can receive is 1520 (not 1600). The website will clearly show your score on each section and where you stand against the rest of the country, so everyone can see what they need more help on.

In addition to the three main scores, there are nine (yes, nine) sub-scores. Honestly, I would not worry too much about these scores, but it may be helpful to look through them once or twice and see what academic areas you are acing, and which ones you may need more practice. Seven of the nine sub-scores range from a total score of 1-15, except for your History/Social Science Score and your Science score; these each have a score range of 8-38. The College Board website makes it fairly easy to see these scores and understand how your fair with each one by using a color coded system, and of course, green is good! The score report will also show each question, your answer, the correct answer, and the difficulty of the question.

If you have made it this far, and you're head isn't spinning, then you are ready to hear about next steps! After all of this, what is the real purpose of the PSAT anyway? Colleges will not see this, and the only actual value it has is if the student scores extremely high, they may have a chance at scholarship money through the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The real value of the PSAT is to help students prepare for the college entrance exams which are the SAT and ACT. Students need to start thinking about which test is best suited for them, and begin making of schedule of which test that will take and when...then preparing for those tests.

There are countless SAT/ACT test prep programs and tutors out there, but I want to finish this blog by alerting you of a brand new FREE program. Khan Academy and the College Board have teamed up to offer students official SAT test prep for free. Students will have access to thousands of SAT questions, and four full tests for free. Khan Academy will also develop individual learning programs for each student to help. In order to register for this, follow these instructions:

Login or create a Khan Academy account
When time, agree to linking Khan Academy and College Board accounts
Sign in or create a College Board account
When time, click "Send" to authorize account linking
You're ready to begin free SAT prep!

I hope this information can help you all as your college process continues!

Take care,

Joseph D. Korfmacher