The PSAT/NMSQT is the best preparation for the SAT. Students take the test in eleventh grade to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation's scholarship programs. Students can also benefit from taking the test in the tenth grade and sooner because they'll get personalized feedback on the academic skills needed for college. By taking the test before eleventh grade, students have more time to develop these skills and to begin the college planning process.

Be sure to look beyond the scores when you read your student's PSAT/NMSQT Score Report Plus. You'll find a thorough review of their performance and suggestions for improvement in school and out, as well as advice and tools for college and career preparation.

Scores

Students' PSAT/NMSQT scores are printed right at the top of the report. Each score, one each for critical reading, mathematics, and writing skills are based on a scale of 20-80. Other important data available on the report includes score ranges and percentiles.

Score ranges show how much scores might vary if your student were to take the PSAT/NMSQT repeatedly without learning additional skills. In other words, the scores within this range are considered equal, statistically.

Percentiles compare your student's performance to that of other students, nationally. If your student is in eleventh grade, their score is compared to the scores of all eleventh-graders who took the test. If they are in tenth grade or younger, their score is compared to the scores of all tenth-graders who took the test. For further information visit the College Board website:http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html