I'm feeling a bit stressed about my PSAT score, which was a 990. How should I interpret this in terms of percentile or my standing compared to other students? Is it an okay score or do I have a lot of work ahead of me?
Hi there, first off, it's totally normal to feel a bit stressed about test scores, but I’m here to help you make sense of it. A 990 on the PSAT places you around the 50th percentile, meaning you scored as well as or better than half of the students who took the exam. It's a pretty good starting point already, and many students see significant improvement by the time they take the SAT with focused practice and preparation.
If you have aspirations to score higher, perhaps for scholarships like the National Merit Scholarship, it's definitely achievable with dedication. Start by identifying your areas of weakness on the test and work on those. You can use practice books, online resources like Khan Academy and CollegeVine, or even consider a prep course if that feels right for you.
Remember, this score doesn't define your intelligence or your future success; it's merely a snapshot of where you are right now and can be improved with effort. Keep a positive mindset and take consistent steps to prepare, and you'll likely see your scores rise. Stay motivated, and good luck!
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