Don't Trip about your PSAT Scores

By Quetzal Mama • February 1, 2017

Copyright Roxanne Ocampo 2017

This week, students across the US are getting their PSAT scores back.  Like most years, I’m getting lots of calls from disappointed and nervous students.  They ask me, “How will I get into a top college with these scores?”  Or, “I have straight A’s, how could my scores be so off-whack?”  You may be thinking the same thing right now.

Before you panic, let me break it down – #truth from Quetzal Mama.  Here are facts you need to know before you start questioning your intelligence and your chances of getting into a good college.

Why the Test was Originally Designed.  First, you need to know that the SAT exam was originally designed to weed out “unsavory” immigrants.  In 1926, the SAT hired Princeton University professor Carl Brigham (who believed in eugenics) to deal with the “deterioration” of elite college admits who were the “wrong” types of immigrants.  Sound familiar?  Specifically, elite colleges became concerned that previous entrance exams were not favoring white Nordic types and instead, favoring immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe.  Fast forward 100 years, and this same exam continues to weed out “unfavorable” immigrants.

This is NOT an Intelligence (“IQ”) Test.  Let me repeat this important fact.  This is not an intelligence test.  Throughout the years, nearly all rigorous research has confirmed this test does not assess intelligence.  Instead, it has proven to be the best predictor of parent’s wealth and educational status.  Yep, that’s it.  Want proof?  I can tell you that most test prep programs guarantee an increase of at least 250 points (that’s a lot).  How can paying for a test prep yield such a high increase if the test is truly based on intelligence?  As an admissions coach, I can certainly attest that my students with “low” scores continue to maintain high GPAs and graduate from competitive universities.  You need to know that.  If you’re wondering how this test is associated with parent’s wealth, keep reading.

You Can Game this System.  I encourage all of my students to enroll in some type of test preparation program.  My students have significantly increased their ACT and SAT scores through test prep programs like the Princeton Review and Veritas Prep.  My students also tell me they’ve got lots of love for Shaan Patel.  But, these programs are very expensive ($1,000 and up).  What can you do if you can’t afford that hefty price tag?  Before you start a GoFundMe account, you should apply for a scholarship through these test prep programs.  You can also get FREE test prep on the Khan Academy site (see below).  Either way, you’ve also got to do lots of practice tests.  Time yourself, and take multiple practice exams.

Colleges are Going “Test Optional.”  Finally, colleges are realizing they are missing out on extraordinary talent by weeding out “less preferable” test scorers.  In the past few years lots of “test optional” colleges are popping up.  That means these colleges will consider your admission based on other factors, not your ACT or SAT scores.  Thanks to fairtest you can view these colleges here.  This list includes 925 colleges (and growing) that would love to invite you to become part of their entering freshman class.  And, that list includes 265 top-tier universities!

Now that you know the truth about these exams, start an action plan to put you in the best position possible.  You’ll need to start here at the Khan Academy website.  It’s free and they have all the videos for each section of the SAT (plus they are the “official” partner of the SAT so you know it’s legit). Speaking of CollegeBoard, go to this site to download free full-length practice tests.  Don’t forget the ACT site for free test prep.  Now, find a test prep program at your school – for example AVID, GEAR UP, Puente, MESA, etc.  Lastly, use the results of your PSAT to see where you need the greatest improvement.  Then, focus on improving your score to the best of your ability.  That's it!

You are smart.  You are very smart.  Don’t let a test score convince you that you’re not destined for greatness.

–Quetzal Mama