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Barb.b
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| Posted: Feb 13 2014 at 4:37pm | IP Logged
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DD's science teacher (we outsource that only) thinks dd should take PSAT next year (she's 10th now). She is going to take SAT this June because she is beginning Saxon advanced math and basically is ready. She really doesn't need to take the PSAT to practice test taking. I think unless a kid is expected to get above 70 in each of the 3 subtests (math, writing , critical reading) it seems a waste of time to take the PSAT. DD's practice SAT test has been in the 500's for math, 650 for CR and upper 500's or lower 600's for writing. From what I see kids need PSAT of around 210 or above to get any scholarship (which is SAT equivalent of getting above 700 in each). Now, I am proud of DD and she will probably get around her practice scores in the SAT - maybe a little higher since we are preparing and she can take it again - but I can't see math improving by THAT much!
Please tell me I'm not the only one who thinks PSAT is a waste of time if you don't need the practice and you are above average but not close to perfect score type person!!!
Barb
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anitamarie
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| Posted: Feb 13 2014 at 5:28pm | IP Logged
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The PSAT is also used to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship program. If your daughter scores well, it can mean $$ for college. See here.
So, that's why a lot of people take it. But it is still your decision.
Anita
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Barb.b
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| Posted: Feb 13 2014 at 6:10pm | IP Logged
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BUt - its the top 3% right. I saw in a couple places that for Texas one has to score 219 - which is an SAT equivalent of 2100 - which is over 700 SAT for each of the 3 math,writing and critical reading (70 PSAT). So, if you know that is too much to expect- seems silly.
Also - $$ in actual SAT and ACT scores too.
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Barb.b
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| Posted: Feb 13 2014 at 6:14pm | IP Logged
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So - from the web site you posted - they are competing for a one time $2,500? or did I read that wrong? My oldest got much more for a ACT score of 29 in 3 colleges.
Also, can't even brag about it on a resume to college when applying as I read it isn't till Senior year you hear about finalists. By September of senior year dd will have all applications in, the big money often is first come first serve based on SAT or ACT scores.
Seems colleges give scholarships for being finalist. But back to my point - statistically speaking - if your kid isn't getting 700's (above 70s for PSAT) then they don't stand a chance!
Barb
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Erica Sanchez
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| Posted: Feb 13 2014 at 10:27pm | IP Logged
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That is my understanding as well, Barb. I had my two oldest take it just for practice their junior year, and one took and one will take the SAT in September of their senior year. No Merit Scholars in this homeschool yet which we did not expect. This worked out fine for us, but may be too late if applying to a more competitive school. I am not sure about that, actually.
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(dh)Cash, Emily, Grace, Nicholas, Isabella, Annie, Luke, Max, Peter, 2 little souls ++, and sweet Rose who is legally ours!
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Barb.b
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| Posted: Feb 14 2014 at 6:38am | IP Logged
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What I like is when sending SAT scores to colleges - you are able to only send ones you want. So now, we use the actual SAT itself for practice and in spring sophomore year, If its a good score - great, if not - colleges never need to see it!
This particular teacher made it sound I was terrible when I said I didn't see why take the PSAT if you weren't in the top 3-4%. She made me feel I was saying something terrible about dd. I really think the issue is she doesn't realize how really well kids have to score to be semi finalists. I mean dd is smart - but I don't think she is going to get a near perfect score!
Barb
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CrunchyMom
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| Posted: Feb 20 2014 at 7:23am | IP Logged
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A friend just shared this with our homeschool group:
Quote:
Friends,
We announced this back in the fall, but apparently we didn't do a very good
job of it...
Students who have qualified as 2014 National Merit Scholarship Finalists
(by now, I think, those people have received a certificate in the mail) may
apply to Christendom and, if accepted, get a four-year, full-tuition
scholarship.
All you have to do is send in a copy of the certificate and it's a done
deal.
For the time being, we are limiting the number of scholarships to 20, and
as of today, I know that about 5 students have expressed an interest in
taking us up on the offer. If you know anyone who is a 2014 Finalist (not a
previous finalist -- only spring 2014), please have them apply, or contact
me about it.
God bless,
Tom McFadden
Director of Admissions
Christendom College
tmcfadden@christend om.edu mailto:tmcfadden@christend om.edu
800.877.5456 ext 1290
Fax: 540.636.1655 |
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Lindsay
Five Boys(6/04) (6/06) (9/08)(3/11),(7/13), and 1 girl (5/16)
My Symphony
[URL=http://mysymphonygarden.blogspot.com/]Lost in the Cosmos[/UR
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Barb.b
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| Posted: Feb 20 2014 at 8:28am | IP Logged
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I get that that is there. . . for the finalist. My point is - That only the top 1% get to be national merit scholars. That keeps it in perspective for me. DD does great in practice SAT tests (640 cr, 600 writing, 540 math) those scores will get her into college and I know for one will get her a scholarship into University of Oklahoma - at least $24,000 (one of her schools she thinks she will apply to). But those score translate to : 65,60 and 54 in the PSAT and that is NOT the top. Its like the olympics. As I watch skating there are those who have a definite shot at a medal. Then there are those that are hoping to be in the top 10 or 20. They know they are at the olympics but they don't kid themselves about getting gold. My dd will be going to college - she will even most likely get some scholarship money - but she isn't in the top 1 % of scores that will get a TOTAL scholarship.
So, we are better off focusing on the SAT and any increase in the SAT will translate into more scholarship funds. Then she will take the ACT because some do better in one test then the other. My oldest did and he got a $40,000 scholarship to his school! But he would NOT have been a national merit finalist.
She is taking SAT in June this year as a sophomore. Then SAT in Oct. and ACT in DEC. If she wants she can take ACT again in spring Junior year. Then it is applying to most colleges in Summer (summer between junior and senior year - wait until senior year and you decrease your chances for money) as most open the applications then and scholarships often are first come first serve - so we get them in as soon as the allow!
Just saying the PSAT isn't the only way to get a scholarship. And if your kids are those that get near perfect scores then go for it. Otherwise its a waste of time!
Barb
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Barb.b
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| Posted: Feb 20 2014 at 8:41am | IP Logged
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Just read on Princeton review: to be SEMI finalist one needs to be 99% in your state (the top 1%) and only about half of all those nationally bet to be finalists. So maybe the top 1/2% of those taking PSAT get to be finalists.
I figure its not worth our time!
Barb
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4Real Forums : High School Years and Beyond
Topic: PSAT
