A: An exceptional performance on the PSAT can lead to recognition, or even scholarships, because the PSAT/NMSQT is a scholarship-qualifying test. While only a very small percentage of students receive awards based on their PSAT results, a good number of students do receive recognition that can be a valuable entry on your college application. For most students, preparing for the PSAT just makes good sense. After all, the PSAT is a scaled down, simplified version of the SAT. Therefore, PSAT preparation is, in effect, early preparation for the SAT. Preparing for the PSAT also can highlight areas of relative strength and weakness far enough in advance so that one could actually take measures that would enable that student to attain higher SAT scores. Finally, many believe that the best way to maximize test scores is to use a step up procedure. By preparing for the PSAT, one takes the first step toward achieving the highest possible SAT scores.

Q: What PSAT scores are required in order to qualify to become a national merit scholarship candidate?

A: Although the PSAT test score required to receive National Merit Scholarship consideration varies from year to year, the number 220 is a good rough estimate. Of the approximately 1.3 million students who take the PSAT annually, about 50,000 (approximately 4%) receive National Merit Scholarship recognition. Of those, approximately 34,000 receive letters of commendation in recognition of their academic promise. The other 16,000 become semifinalists. Surprisingly, most semifinalists become finalists. In fact, about 15,000 are so honored. As many as 11,000 or more or the finalists receive financial awards, worth a total of $50 million, for college undergraduate study. All students who receive such recognition can indicate this accomplishment on their college applications.

Q: Do colleges really take only your best three individual SAT component scores no matter how many times you take the test?

A: Yes, most colleges do take a student’s highest SAT Reading, Writing, and Math scores from each and every SAT he/she takes and combine them to determine one’s “high SAT score.” Some colleges, though, will instead consider a student’s highest “sitting” - his or her highest overall score attained in one day. Other colleges have still other policies in dealing with multiple test scores. It is best to check with specific colleges to determine their policies. Either way, it is advisable for most students to take the SAT two or more times.

Q: When are the best times to take the SAT?

A: First and foremost, one should take the SAT when he or she is adequately prepared and feels confident in his or her ability to succeed. It is ill advised for a student to take the SAT merely for practice. To maximize one’s chances of getting the highest possible SAT score, it is best to start testing earlier than is traditionally suggested. While most students wait until May of their junior year to take their first SAT, it is advisable to start earlier, unless other factors intervene. If one is able to take the SAT in January, for example, it may be advisable to do so. If necessary, a student can then follow up by taking the SAT during the March or May administration. Be advised: there is much evidence to suggest that the March SAT may be a degree harder than other SAT tests. There is some concrete evidence that exists to support this contention, and even more anecdotal evidence. It should be noted that this view is not shared by most people, and those who disagree are known to argue their point vociferously.

Q: How many times should one take the SAT?

A: In general, three seems to be the magic number when it comes to taking the SAT. Any more than this may make a student appear obsessive. On the other hand, a student who takes the SAT only one time or two times and in that college’s view has lower than expected scores, may be viewed as someone not willing to work hard enough to meet that college’s expectation.

Q: How many breaks are there during the SAT? How long are these breaks?

A: There are three breaks totaling approximately 11 minutes during the three hour and 45 minute long SAT. These include a five-minute break after section two, a one-minute “stretch break” after section four and another five-minute break after section six. There are no breaks during the last four sections.

Q: If one gets very low SAT scores relative to one’s ability, when should he/she take it again?

A: In order to answer this question, an analysis of the reasons behind the poor SAT performance must be conducted. If the poor performance was due to lack of preparation then clearly one needs to take adequate time to be well prepared prior to taking the SAT again. If the reason was test anxiety or nervousness, one might be best to deal with those issues quickly and to retake the test as soon as possible. If the reason for poor test performance had to do with maturity or mental readiness, one might consider waiting a longer period of time before taking the test again. There is some evidence to suggest that the period of maturation that occurs over the summer between junior year and senior year can, for some students, have a positive affect on standardized test scores

Q: Should one take the ACT in addition to the SAT?

A: The ACT does have some distinct advantages over the SAT, making it an attractive alternative or addition to the SAT. In general, the ACT tends to have more reading, favoring those who are stronger in that area. In addition, the math tends to be more straightforward and less tricky. However, the major advantage that the ACT has over the SAT is that one can decide whether or not to send a specific test date score to colleges, once he or she has received that score. That means that there is really no disadvantage to taking the ACT. However, preparation for the ACT is quite different from preparation for the SAT. Therefore, additional training may be necessary for a student to really take advantage of the differences between the two tests. Should one take the ACT in addition to the SAT? There is little downside to doing so.

Q: Is the ACT easier that the SAT?

A: What is easier for one person may not be easier for another. A more relevant question might be: “Is the ACT easier or better than the SAT for me?" The best way to determine this is to take a practice ACT test. Some students definitely do find the ACT to be easier than the SAT, while others find it equally or even more difficult. There are a few generalizations one can make in comparing the two tests. First, the ACT tends to be more straightforward and less cryptic than the SAT. Some students find this preferable and may be the reason that ACT seems to have a reputation as being somewhat easier than the SAT.

ACT has a science reasoning section, in which students are called upon to interpret data, graphs and charts, in order to answer questions. Although no specific scientific knowledge is required, one must have the ability to reach logical scientific conclusions by interpreting and evaluating data. ACT grammar tends to be more reading based than is SAT grammar. The ACT reading section is, in many people's opinion, harder than the SAT’s reading sections. Unlike questions on the SAT, ACT reading questions do not follow the order of the passage. ACT math is definitely more straightforward than SAT math.

Q: How many SAT Subject Tests do colleges require?

A: Many colleges do not require any SAT Subject Tests. Those that do, typically require two. Some require three. Others may suggest or require that you take specific SAT Subject Tests. It is best to check with the colleges to determine their specific SAT Subject Test requirements. In most cases, this information is readily available on each college’s web site. It is also worth noting that even colleges that do not require SAT Subject Tests may be willing to consider them in the application process. These scores may even serve to differentiate you from other candidates applying to that college.

Q: How many SAT Subjects Tests can/should one take in one sitting?

A: Students are allowed to take as many as three SAT Subject Tests on a given day. They cannot take SAT Subject Tests and SAT on the same day. There is evidence to suggest that there is a performance drop-off on the third of three subject tests taken on a given day. It is best to know one’s own personal limitations when deciding how many subject tests to take on a given day.

Q: Do colleges look at the highest SAT Subject Test score and, therefore, disregard the lowest?

A: Most college applications, including the common application, leave space for students to fill in all standardized test score results. Colleges that require two or three SAT subject tests will then consider the highest two or three, or those which are relevant to the school to which one is applying. For example for a student applying to Princeton's school of engineering, math and science subject tests will be considered over others submitted. Other applications merely ask for the highest scores. However, schools that receive College Board score reports will receive all test scores for each student – not just those that are relevant or required.

Q: How should one determine whether to take Math Level I or Level II?

A: Certainly one of the most important factors in making this decision is one’s math ability. Top math students applying to competitive schools should take Level II. Some schools require it. Though the Level II is a harder exam, higher scores are easier to attain. That may sound strange, but in fact a 700 or better is well within the range of many students. That's because the grading scale for the Level II exam is quite different from the grading scale of the Level I exam. In fact, one can get as many as 12 out of 50 questions wrong on Level II and still earn a score of 700. One major difference between the two tests is that Level I has more Geometry, whereas Level II focuses more on Functions. Level II has many more difficult questions.

Q: Which colleges don't require standardized tests?

A: There are more than 700 colleges and universities that have a test-optional policy. The list of these institutions is ever changing. You can find an up to date list at www.fairtest.org. There are also many publications that contain this information.

Q: When is the last time one can take the SAT to have the results in time for 1) early action 2) early decision?

A: Both early action and early decision do limit the number of test dates available to a student in his or her senior year. Although admissions deadlines vary slightly from college to college, in most cases, one can take advantage of both the October and the November test dates of senior year. In the case of the November test, a student may have to manually send the score report to the early decision college, or to the early action colleges. This could, in fact, work to a student’s advantage, since he or she can decide after-the-fact whether or not to send that score.

Q: Can students submit the best scores of each of their individual tests?

A: No. All scores must be submitted. However, colleges generally sort through all the scores and take only a student's best scores as admission criteria.

Q: Do colleges "really" look at the SAT essay or at SAT Writing in general?

A: Each college and university is slightly different in how it views and uses the SAT Writing section. Some have fully integrated SAT Writing into their applicant selection process as part of the SAT. Others view the SAT Writing section as they would an SAT Subject Test. In other words, they view it as a separate and important piece of the admission puzzle. Once the SAT Writing section is fully accepted, it will become a powerful and important entry criterion. In fact, colleges can request your actual SAT essay. Those colleges that were interviewed by the College Board in a survey indicated that they would use the SAT essay for one or more reasons. Some colleges said that they would use the SAT essay not only for admissions but for placement as well. Also, some colleges indicated that they will use the SAT essay as a spontaneous measure of students’ writing ability and as an application essay verifier.

Q: If one does not list any schools on his or her registration ticket, will these scores be sent at a later date?

A: On the SAT registration form, students are given the opportunity to select a number of schools to receive score reports at no charge to the student. Additional reports can then be sent to other colleges. Students who would like to send reports to colleges they did not initially select must request that the College Board do so. There is a small fee associated with each report sent. That report contains all test score data to date for that student.

Q: How many practice tests should one take to be optimally prepared for the SAT on test day?

A: Practicing for major tests by taking real practice tests under real conditions gives a student immeasurable benefits. From dealing with the fatigue factor, to increasing familiarity with test rules, to getting the opportunity to see and experience real tests, to feeling the anxiety that naturally goes along with standardized testing, practice tests can be a powerful tool in building SAT confidence and scores. We recommend that all students take at least two real “actual conditions” practice tests.

Q: What is the best thing to do the night before and morning of a big test?

A: On the night of any big test, it is best to relax and get a good night’s sleep. If one is so nervous that a good night's sleep is not possible, then it is a good idea to get some exercise that can then lead to a good night’s sleep. Being at one’s best on the morning of a test is largely dependent on the amount of, and quality of, sleep he or she gets the night before. Now that does not mean one should do no studying the night before a big test.

Practicing learned techniques and strategies on easy and medium level questions is often a good way to increase one’s confidence, which in turn can get that student revved up for the next day's test. Also, students should collect everything that they will need the next morning in advance. Specifically, consider the following list: calculator with fresh batteries (if allowed), two sharpened #2 pencils, picture I.D., admission ticket and a snack (power bar or breakfast bar - for example) for test sessions lasting several hours).

The morning of a test is also very important. Being mentally prepared to work hard on 100 or more questions over an extended period of time is essential. One should review advice and materials given by one’s SAT teacher or tutor. Practice on one or two easy or medium level questions to “prime the pump.” Going over a few previously-solved hard questions is a good idea. Get to the test center early. When there, try to relax. Breathe slowly and deeply. Think about a quiet place, or a quiet moment. Stay focused on the task; don’t allow yourself to become distracted by what is happening in and around the test center.

Q: What should one do to prepare the week before the test?

A: The week before a test should be considered crunch time. One should practice solving easy medium and hard level questions of all types. He or she should make it a point to learn a lesson from each mistake, and take action to determine that he or she does not make that mistake again. One should use this time to brush up on vocabulary, to practice on the types of math questions that have given him or her trouble in the past, to attempt a few reading passages, and to work on grammar and to practice writing the essay.

Q: Can one write the actual letter answer on the answer sheet and then fill in the ovals later. Does this cause any scanning problems?

A: One can use this technique; however students must make sure that marks are erased thoroughly. Otherwise, trouble could occur during the scanning process. Also, students must make sure they save enough time at the end to fill in the ovals and erase the other marks.

Q: Is it a good idea to cancel scores if one thinks he or she had a bad test.

A: There are some circumstances in which it is a good idea to cancel SAT scores before they are reported. A student may do this at the test center, or within three days after taking the test by contacting the College Board. In cases in which there is no doubt that a student’s score, if reported, would be substantially lower than he or she is capable of, canceling the test score may be a good idea.

For example, if a student gets sick, if a calculator malfunctions, or if anxiety prevents a student from completing the test, by all means score cancellation should be considered. Please note that students often misjudge their own performance. Some who think they have done extremely well or extremely poorly have done just the opposite. Since colleges generally take the highest reading, writing and math scores from all SAT tests taken, a less than perfect test should not hurt a student.