Introduction
The PERT (Postsecondary Education Readiness Test) is a standardized exam designed to assess students’ reading, writing, and mathematics skills. It is used by many colleges and universities to determine whether students are ready for college-level courses. The PERT exam is a vital assessment tool, and understanding your scores is crucial for making informed decisions about your academic future.
Understanding Your PERT Exam Scores
Your PERT exam scores are reported in three sections: reading, writing, and mathematics. Each section is scored on a scale of 50 to 150, with higher scores indicating higher levels of proficiency.
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Reading: The reading section assesses your ability to comprehend written text, draw inferences, and identify main ideas.
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Writing: The writing section evaluates your ability to write clear, concise, and well-organized essays.
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Mathematics: The mathematics section tests your knowledge of basic mathematical concepts, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
Interpreting Your Scores
The PERT exam scores are used by colleges and universities to make placement decisions. The specific score requirements vary depending on the institution and the intended academic program. However, general guidelines include:
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Reading: A score of 110 or higher is typically considered proficient in reading and qualifies you for college-level reading courses.
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Writing: A score of 110 or higher is usually considered proficient in writing and qualifies you for college-level writing courses.
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Mathematics: A score of 120 or higher is commonly considered proficient in mathematics and qualifies you for college-level math courses.
Steps to Improve Your PERT Exam Scores
If you did not meet your desired scores on the PERT exam, there are several steps you can take to improve your results:
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Practice Regularly: The best way to prepare for the PERT exam is to practice. Use official practice materials and take full-length practice tests to familiarize yourself with the test format and question types.
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Identify Your Weaknesses: Review your practice test results to identify areas where you need extra support. Focus on improving your proficiency in those areas.
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Get Professional Help: If you struggle to improve your scores on your own, consider seeking professional help from a tutor or test preparation course.
Using Your PERT Exam Scores
Your PERT exam scores are a valuable resource for making informed decisions about your academic future. They can help you:
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Plan Your Academic Career: Determine which college courses you are eligible to take and create a study plan to achieve your academic goals.
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Access Learning Resources: Identify areas where you may need additional support and seek out appropriate learning resources, such as tutoring or remedial courses.
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Make Informed Decisions: Use your scores to compare different colleges and universities and choose the institution that best meets your academic needs and abilities.
Additional Resources
Here are some additional resources that may be helpful for understanding and improving your PERT exam scores:
- PERT Practice Tests: https://www.ets.org/higher-education/assessments/pert/prepare
- Official PERT Study Guide: https://www.ets.org/higher-education/assessments/pert/prepare/study-guide
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PERT Tutoring and Preparation Courses:
- Kaplan: https://www.kaptest.com/pert-prep-private-tutoring
- The Princeton Review: https://www.princetonreview.com/college-prep/pert-test-prep
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a passing PERT score?
A passing score varies depending on the institution and intended academic program. In general, scores above 110 in reading and writing and above 120 in mathematics are considered passing.
2. How long are PERT scores valid?
Most colleges and universities accept PERT scores for two years after they are taken.
3. Can I retake the PERT exam?
Yes, you can retake the PERT exam as many times as necessary. However, some institutions may limit the number of times you can take the test within a certain period.
4. What is the difference between the PERT and the SAT/ACT?
The PERT is designed to assess college readiness, while the SAT and ACT are used for college admissions. The PERT focuses on basic skills, while the SAT and ACT cover more advanced content.
5. How can I use my PERT scores to apply for financial aid?
Your PERT scores can be used to determine your eligibility for financial aid programs such as Pell Grants and student loans.
6. What is a “cognitive blueprint”?
A cognitive blueprint is a document that outlines the specific topics and skills covered on the PERT exam. It is available on the ETS website.