The PSAT/NMSQT: notes for sophomores
During your sophomore year, you will take the first formal step of the college search process. During October, the school will administer the PSAT/NMSQT test. You will not need to register in advance for this test, and the school absorbs the cost of the registration. The PSAT/NMSQT measures critical reading, verbal reasoning, math problem-solving skills, as well as writing skills (starting in 1997). It assesses a student's ability to reason with facts and concepts rather than simply recite them.For sophomores, the test is primarily an opportunity for you to gain insight into the kinds of skills you need to develop in order to succeed in college. The test measures reasoning ability and your ability to solve problems. It consists of three different types of questions:
- Two 25-minute verbal sections (52 questions), including sentence completions, analogies, and critical reading
- Two 25-minute mathematical sections (40 questions), including multiple choice, quantitative comparisons, and grid-ins
- One 30-minute writing skills section (39 questions), including identifying sentence errors, improving sentences, and improving paragraphs
Scores range from 20 to 80 on each of the three sections. Although the comparison is not perfect, if you add a zero to the score, the resulting number would be equivalent to the score you would earn on the SAT. Remember that your scores will probably improve considerably during the next two years.
How should you prepare for the sophomore PSAT? The sophomore PSAT is not that important. It may serve as an indicator of what your scores will be like later, and may give you an idea of what skills you need to work on in order to be better prepared for college. I urge you to read thoroughly the PSAT preparation newspaper that will be given to you by the school; however, do not spend too much time preparing. Remember that many schools do not even give the PSAT to sophomores.
When you receive your scores, discuss them with your parents and, if you have any questions, set up an appointment to talk to a college counselor. Along with the scores on each section (20-80), you will have a Selection Index (the sum of the three subtests), which is used during your junior year to determine your eligibility for scholarships as part of the National Merit Scholarship program. There is also an item analysis that indicates which questions you answered correctly. On the web, the best place to prep for the PSAT test is www.collegeboard.com.
Planning your academic program
During the spring you will meet with your advisor to plan your academic program for the upcoming school year. Keep pushing yourself! Remember that colleges want you to challenge yourself. If you can, take classes in all of the five academic disciplines. If you qualify, start taking advanced placement courses. Remember that a strong academic program is of utmost importance when applying to college. By the way, if you are considering a military academy, you should start making plans during the sophomore year.
The summer
Use the summer as productively as you can. There are many fine summer programs on college campuses; consider one of these. Many of them allow you to focus on one particular area or another, while others give you a taste of a college curriculum. Information about these programs is available online or in the college resource room.
Other less academic programs can also be very meaningful, and can provide great material for your college essay. Travel programs, sports camps, and other cultural experiences can be both stimulating and rewarding. If you aspire to play sports in college, it is important for you to be seen at summer sports camps.
Surprisingly, college admissions offices are also impressed with work experiences. Certainly an internship or work in one's field of interest is most beneficial; however, simply digging ditches or flipping burgers demonstrates a positive work ethic as well.