SAT & PSAT: Why, When, and Who
April 2024
Why do we take the SAT?
Colorado Graduation Guidelines
High school graduation requirements are set by our local school board and must align with the Colorado Graduation Guidelines. Colorado has created a Menu of Options that students must use to show what they know or can do in order to graduate from high school. Garfield County School District 16 has choosen to offer all of the state menu options. Students must demonstrate college and career readiness on at least one measure in Reading and Writing and one measure in Mathematics.
Our main focus for our students is their performance the SAT/PSAT as this is the focus on state reported school performance.
Listed below are minium performance benchmarks and the GVHS focus of priority beginning with the highest.
- SAT: Reading and Writing - 470 / Mathematics - 500
- Accuplacer for Concurrent Enrollment: Reading - 241 / Mathematics - 230 (Algebra)
- AP qualifying scores: Reading & Writing - 2 / Mathematics - 2
- ASVAB: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics - 31
- Workkeys: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics - Bronze or higher
What do the SAT scores mean?
- Each section is worth 800 pts, meaning a perfect score is a 1600 for both parts
- The lowest score you can receive is a 400, meaning you score only 200 points on each section (scoring a 400 is only possible if you 1) miss every question or 2) don’t answer any questions)
Luckily, there is no penalty for wrong answers on the SAT. Instead, you are only awarded points for questions answered correctly, and simply receive 0 points for incorrect answers or skipped questions. Thus, we highly recommend you answer each question on the SAT, even if you’re unsure about your answer (or if it’s a complete guess).
Why do we take the SAT instead of the ACT?
In 2016-17 the state of Colorado moved from the ACT to the PSAT/SAT. Below is an estimated conversion table as reference along with the state average range over the last couple of years.
Why do we take the PSAT?
The PSAT is commonly taken by high school students to prepare for the SAT and to qualify for college scholarships. Note that there are three versions of the test:
- PSAT 8/9 (designated for 8th and 9th graders)
- PSAT 10 (designated for 10th graders)
- PSAT/NMSQT (designated for 11th graders seeking to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship)
The PSAT is an excellent way to prepare yourself for the SAT. The PSAT is slightly less advanced than the SAT, but still covers similar material such as reading, writing, and math concepts.
What do the PSAT scores mean?
On all three versions of the PSAT, the score is calculated by combining the results from the reading and writing section and the math portion. For the PSAT 8/9, the score range is 240-1440. The range for the PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT comes in a bit higher at 320-1520.
As far as what a “good score” would be, that varies depending on every student’s individual goal. However, the College Board has established benchmarks for each version of the test. According to the College Board, if you hit these benchmarks then you’ll have a 75% chance of achieving a C or higher in related first-semester college courses. In other words, it’s likely that you’re college-ready if you hit the benchmarks established by the College Board.
Benchmarks:
9th graders taking the PSAT 8/9
- Reading and Writing: 410
- Math: 450
- Total Score: 860
10th graders taking the PSAT 10
- Reading and Writing: 430
- Math: 480
- Total Score: 910
How does my PSAT10 score comapre to the SAT?
Use the table below to estimate or project what your SAT score could be based on your PSAT score. After getting a better idea of how you’ll fare on the SAT, you can use this information strategically. Your teachers will also use this information to plan and adjust classes to help improve your score over time.
What is GVHS doing to prepare students for the SAT?
GVHS has partnerned with Horizon Education. This is a platform to help students prepare for SAT exam readiness and to become familiar with the digital version of the exam. Please talk to your child about how this is going for them and keep an eye on the mail as we will be sending home their results from the first practice exam along with their report card from first semester. Below is a timeline of what has been completed as well as upcoming sessions and things students can do to help further prepare for the exam in April.
Thursday, September 14th:
Students log on during Math and ELA to make sure everything is working
Wednesday, September 20th:
School wide Mock Exam Day (This will be run just like the state testing day in April 2024)
Thursday, September 28th:
12:00 - Data debrief with ELA/Math instructors and Horizon along with "next steps" in the classroom.
September - March
In-class/advisory discussions on testing strategies and concept review. This will largely be focused in English and math classes.
Wednesday, January 17th:
School wide Mock Exam Day (This will be run just like the state testing day in April 2024)
Thursday, January 25th:
12:00 - Data debrief with ELA/Math instructors and Horizon along with "next steps" in the classroom.
February - March:
TBD - Based on mock exam results
GVHS will be offering15-20 hours of after school programing for test prep and strategies. (More information to come)
April 2024: (GAME TIME!)
State Testing Day has not been released yet. We assume it will be the week of the 16th - 19th as in years past.
PARENTS: Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Practice and Preparation
Grand Valley High School is the home of the Fighting Cardinals. The new Grand Valley High School was finished in September 2002. It is located approximately 200 miles west of Denver and 45 miles east of Grand Junction off Interstate 70 in Parachute, Colorado. Our Mission: Together we will continue to build purposeful relationships that will enhance the lives of students. Our Vision: We are dedicated to defining and creating optimal learning environments which will provide our students with an individualized, well-rounded education.