Recruitment and Test Scores for 8,9,10 graders

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May 30, 2013
1,442
83
Binghamton, NY
i was browsing the College Board website today,
and noticed that in addition to the "PSAT" (normally taken in the junior year),
they also offer a "PSAT 8/9" and "PSAT 10" test.

has anyone had their daughter sit for one of these versions of the test during grades 8,9, and/or 10?
and if so, has it been beneficial for their recruitment?

I ask, because my DD is most likely to pursue an "academic path" toward recruitment,
which generally translates to a later timetable (sophomore year at the earliest, but more likely junior year with PSAT scores),
because of the Admissions selectivity with regard to academics.

I'm wondering, if she's playing on an "exposure team" now, how to make the most of that?
If these early PSAT tests are generally viewed as legitimate indicators of academic potential by college coaches,
then it makes sense to take them. Plus, early practice on the SAT can't hurt, in general.

Thoughts?
 
Dec 2, 2013
3,410
113
Texas
If the scores are good then let the college coaches know when you email them. If these coaches are in the vicinity of a showcase they will come to evaluate. Each school has their own recruiting timeline. Most high academics won't really dial in until Jr years. Until then keep up the communication and attend camps. We were playing in the Boulder IDT tourney and a random parent rolled up while we were playing and said Wow you most have a bunch smart kids on your team! There were a least 6 high academic coaches watching.
 
Jun 4, 2014
159
28
I have a freshman who took the version the juniors take (the PSAT-NMSQT). Can't figure out if the results are worth sharing or not!
 

JAD

Feb 20, 2012
8,231
38
Georgia
i was browsing the College Board website today,
and noticed that in addition to the "PSAT" (normally taken in the junior year),
they also offer a "PSAT 8/9" and "PSAT 10" test.

has anyone had their daughter sit for one of these versions of the test during grades 8,9, and/or 10?
and if so, has it been beneficial for their recruitment?

I ask, because my DD is most likely to pursue an "academic path" toward recruitment,
which generally translates to a later timetable (sophomore year at the earliest, but more likely junior year with PSAT scores),
because of the Admissions selectivity with regard to academics.

I'm wondering, if she's playing on an "exposure team" now, how to make the most of that?
If these early PSAT tests are generally viewed as legitimate indicators of academic potential by college coaches,
then it makes sense to take them. Plus, early practice on the SAT can't hurt, in general.

Thoughts?

Not sure why anyone would want to take the PSAT past 9th grade. Take the regular SAT and ACT to see if your DD performs better on one or the other, then focus on preparing for that test. There is no limit on the number of times a student can take it, and you only have to report her highest score when talking with coaches. Some schools also "superscore" which may help.
 
JAD - I wanted to thank you for sharing so much on this forum, your experiences with your daughter are very helpful to my daughter (2021 LHP) who is targeting high-academic schools for engineering. She is taking the ACT next weekend, as coaches are asking for scores and she figured no reason to wait. Let KH know she has a fan in CA who can't wait to watch some of her games when Team One starts their season!
 
Jun 11, 2012
741
63
Most kids here take the PSAT in 10th because school makes them and then the athletes start taking the SAT in the spring of that year and again mid junior year.
DD did horrible on the PSAT but did very good on the SAT both times she took it. They are graded totally differently so I’m sure that played a factor.
Her PSAT results if you read the whole thing said she probably wasn’t ready for an AP course in math, same kid is rocking a 98 currently in AP calc.
 

JAD

Feb 20, 2012
8,231
38
Georgia
Most kids here take the PSAT in 10th because school makes them and then the athletes start taking the SAT in the spring of that year and again mid junior year.
DD did horrible on the PSAT but did very good on the SAT both times she took it. They are graded totally differently so I’m sure that played a factor.
Her PSAT results if you read the whole thing said she probably wasn’t ready for an AP course in math, same kid is rocking a 98 currently in AP calc.

Does the school administer the PSAT for free? It could be good practice and is probably done during school hours, but if the parents are paying for the test I would suggest the regular SAT to see how they do and if they do well they can broadcast the results.
 
Jun 11, 2012
741
63
Does the school administer the PSAT for free? It could be good practice and is probably done during school hours, but if the parents are paying for the test I would suggest the regular SAT to see how they do and if they do well they can broadcast the results.

The year she took it it was free and during the school day. They didn’t do it that way the next year, now it’s on a Saturday and you have to pay
 
May 27, 2013
2,353
113
Not sure why anyone would want to take the PSAT past 9th grade. Take the regular SAT and ACT to see if your DD performs better on one or the other, then focus on preparing for that test. There is no limit on the number of times a student can take it, and you only have to report her highest score when talking with coaches. Some schools also "superscore" which may help.

I believe they take it in 10th/sometimes 11th grade for the chance to qualify as a Merit Scholar.
 

obbay

Banned
Aug 21, 2008
2,199
0
Boston, MA
FWIW- I didn't see it mentioned in this thread, but some kids do better in the ACT while others may do better in the SAT. DD is not a good test taker and only took the SAT, got average results but way below where you would expect someone of her academic standing. She would not take the ACT, for whatever reason, but I wish she did as it may have made the difference of whether she gets accepted at her reach school or not.
Also, some kids have preconceived notions that the process is out of their hands and they may not try hard enough to get in to the schools they are shooting for. I believe my older DD may have disqualified herself from consideration at one school where we were told that an interview, while optional, was very important. Also DD#2 chose not to interview at her reach school, which I think is the same as telling them you're not really interested.

So if your kid is not a good test taker, definitely take both, see what works best and focus on improving only that score and if there is anything that a school offers in the way of optional stuff that could help you get accepted- go for it! Don't take it lightly.
 
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