Hey everyone, I'm a junior getting prepped for college applications, and I just got my PSAT score back. It's a 940, and I'm not sure how to feel about it. Is this a solid score that can boost my application, or should I be looking towards the SAT/ACT for a better representation of my abilities? Any insights on how this score plays into college admissions would be super helpful!
Hello and great job on taking the initiative to prep for college applications! Your 940 PSAT score is a starting point and will give you an idea of where you stand. It's below the average for students who are typically admitted to highly selective colleges, and many competitive colleges will look for higher PSAT scores.
However, it's important to remember that the PSAT is primarily a practice test for the SAT and a qualifier for the National Merit Scholarship. For college admissions, you'll want to focus on the SAT or ACT. I would recommend that you consider taking a practice SAT or ACT to see which test aligns better with your strengths. From there, you can create a study plan to improve your scores.
Resources such as Khan Academy and CollegeVine offer free SAT prep. Check out some of CollegeVine's SAT guides here: https://www.collegevine.com/category/standardized-tests/sat-guides
Also, understand that many colleges are test-optional these days, and while a strong test score can enhance an application, it's not the only factor that admissions committees consider. Keep up your grades, engage in extracurricular activities, and craft compelling essays to make your application stand out. Good luck!
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