Mongolia Tourism Article Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Mongolia Tourism Article - Essay Example The outcomes of the study were utilized in making recommendations to the Mongolian tourism authority on efficient targeting of its international tourism market and improvement of tourism services in the country. 2. A number of factors have influenced the growth of international tourism in Mongolia. The collapse of the eastern European communism system, poor economic conditions, forest fires and adverse weather conditions made international tourism in Mongolia to deteriorate between 1990 and 1997. Business activities brought tourists from China and Russia Federation across Mongolia and this led to a sharp improvement in Mongolian international tourism in 1998. Other factors that improved tourism in Mongolia include favorable visa regulations that enabled tourists to get visas at the Mongolian border. The National Tourism Board that was promulgated in 1995 helped market Mongolia as a favorable tourism destination. Businesspeople from Korea and Japan who worked in Mongolia spread news back in their home countries about Mongolia. The internet helped raise awareness about Mongolia, increased accessibility to travel advertising and reservations and made them less costly. The good impression that Mongolia created in its early Japanese and Korean visitors was another factor in the improvement of tourism in the country (Yu & Goulden, 2006). 3. Cognitive dimension is one of the constructs through which tourism satisfaction can be viewed. The dimension entails tourists’ experience with services. Tourists’ reaction to service performance is captured in the affective dimension of tourism. Systemic dimension of tourism articulates the disparity between the services that tourists expect and things that they get while on the ground. The cross-cultural dimensions of tourism emphasize the impact that cultural difference has on tourists’ perception of service delivery and quality. The dimension reckons that the difference between the

View on Death Essay Example for Free

View on Death Essay Victor Cicirelli filled in the research gap between the areas of gerontology, thanatology, and psychology by conducting a research on the older persons view on death and dying. He published the results of his research in the books titled Older Adults’ Views on Death for the readers to be enlightened and to understand how older adults’ perceptions of death affect their end-of-life decisions. The research gap based from his review of related studies was in the field of thanatology, a branch of learning concerned with death and its dimensions, meanings, and associations. His area of research focused on the thoughts, feelings, and attitudes of older persons in relation to death. Cicirelli conducted an empirical study of 109 adults of ages 70 years and older in a community in central Indiana. The population sample was composed of more white people than the African-American citizens in Indiana. Sixteen of the participants were male and the remaining were women. This group was further categorized into five age groups, and by education, socioeconomic status, marital status, employment, and occupational level. He also subdivided the white participants into high and low socioeconomic status groups in order to identify a group similar in education and occupational level to the African-Americans participating in the study. The goal of the research was to identify the variables that affected their views in death. The first phase of Cicirelli’s data gathering used validated instruments and quantitative analysis to relate results to demographic and contextual variables. To get more insights from the older adults, open-ended interviews were conducted. The data analysis using qualitative techniques used to identify research themes and further relate them to the gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status of the sample population. Using a creative mix of quantitative interviews with structured response categories as well as open-ended qualitative 32476179_View on Death Page 2 interviews, which allowed the respondents to speak in their own words, Cicirelli forms a web of data, which strengthens his study and adds considerable flesh to the findings. Cicirelli adapted the available and present scales, or developed ones based used in the review of related studies, and quantified the three groups of notions as the foci of the study. First, apprehension and worry of passing away, is ‘‘the anxiety experienced in daily life caused by the anticipation of the state in which one is dead’’ (Cicirelli, 2002). Four dimensions utilized this impression: fear of the dying process, worry of being destroyed, fear of the unknown, and fear for considerable others. Second, contemplations of the dying process scrutinize matters ‘‘that a person in the last stages of a terminal illness might have’’ (Cicirelli, 2002), particularly the feelings of dying they would be expecting to experience if they were in the infirmary with terminal cancer and had five more days to live. Third, the individual adults’ connotation of bereavement ‘‘are primarily cognitive interpretations of objects and events in the environment and occur prior to and serve as stimuli for emotional reactions’’ (Cicirelli, 2002). These hypotheses include 4 multi-item subordinate scales (death as afterlife, as legacy, as extinction, and as motivator). In his first and second major concern in Older Adults’ Views on Death, Cicirelli found a wide range of attitudes toward fear of death, including having little fear of death and dying, to having considerable fear. Most of the citizens have experienced anxiety and worry about their end. People were also worried about the pain, process, dependence, and the unknown dimension death may bring. The fear of death is the inescapable factor in life. Most of the populace feared death and the dying process because they were anticipating the end-of-life. As a consequence, it brings anxiety to a person. Another factor that contributed to the two notions of Cicirelli was the age variations of the participants. On the contrary, the research 32476179_View on Death Page 3 showed that the fear of death and dying process may hit the highest point in the early 80s and the potential greater chances of the acceptance of death in an older person approaches 90 years of age. Unexpectedly, the research participants did not account particular fears of the dying process itself. Many people in this study seem to see death as a quick, painless process, although it is not unusual for these same persons to have knowledge and experience of deaths of close persons whose dying was likely to have been prolonged and painful. The older persons preferred to view the dying process as a metaphor â€Å"sleep,† that leads to a denial of the process itself. Cicirelli also speculated that their refutation is a process older adults’ may employ in foreseeing death. There appeared to be inadequately existing thought given to planning and preparations for the dying process itself. Cicirelli deduced his first and second assumptions that the research participants seemed unrealistic in regards to death and dying process. However, what was more realistic was their worry of being destroyed and the fear of the considerate others. The notion was reinforced when the research participants said they do not want others with them when they die. Family relationships and close friendships remain meaningful to the end of life, and feelings of closeness to living family members, and the number of family members preceding an individual in death seem to be important factors related to older adults’ views of death. They do not want these important people in their lives to see how they die. He comments that older adults may need to be educated about the dying process so that they develop more realistic plans. The third notion of Cicirelli focused on the meanings of death on older people. The author touched on the meanings of different types of death, such as that caused by war, murder, accidents, catastrophes, assisted suicide, euthanasia, and disease. Open-ended 32476179_View on Death Page 4 interviews and sentence completion tasks was developed in which personal meanings for death could include (1) death as legacy, (2) as afterlife, (3) as extinction, and (4) as a motivator. All four of these meanings for death were affirmed in varying degrees, and while some differences by age category were found in the strength of the results, the idea of death as relating to an afterlife and contemporary life was confirmed. The derivation of personal meanings involved questions about lifespan expectations, what a person would do given more time than expected, whether they would want to live forever given perfect health and freedom from financial pressures, and whether they thought about death as it came nearer. Cicirelli construed that most people do not desire infinite life, and death as an afterlife was the most meaningful of the four factors explored in the qualitative instrument he developed. Death as meaning a loss of physical function, loss of personal relationships, and offering release from life’s troubles were concepts also found to be meaningful. Aside from his major foci in the book, Cicirelli has suggested quite a few areas for future research that are compelling: religion and people’s attachment to God, and the financial concerns and terminal care. What are extremely clear from Cicirelli’s Older Adults’ Views on Death is that older adults’ perceptions of death, the dying process, and their fears of death are highly variable and influenced by many factors such as human relationships, happenings in life, and age. The wealth of data the book it provided the readers generated different feelings and thoughts as to death and the valuation of life. The personal goals, expectations, and the meaning of the future in the context of Cicirelli became the sources of reactions and sentiments to the timing of death and how to live life to the fullest. 32476179_View on Death Page 5 Fear creates various strings of feelings that were attached to the community. They express fear of pain, fear of sorrow, fear of disease flare-ups, fear of death or disfigurement, fear of different drugs and their side effects afterwards, and other fears that kept on creeping in the veins. Fear is a normative action in response to life’s ups and downs. It is a component that completes the existence of human beings as a part of the community. In effect, the branches of fear that connects us to one another regardless of the different age groups played a vital role in the views of elder people on death. Not only older people are affected by the fear of death and the dying process but also the younger age groups in the community. The awful fear of death comes to every person and haunts the society until the end-of-life happens. The sudden removal of fear especially the fear of death and the dying process in the research participants was a surprise and created an uncomfortable feeling. People think that fear of death is absent because it rarely shows its true face. It is concealed in the faith an individual has—may it be a faith in God or a faith in destiny. The fear of death is a normal circumstance in life. Yet, the research participants were not bothered and overpowered by the fear itself coming to their lives. The astonishment with the strong faith these people have in the midst of uncertainty, and of the unknown became a concealment of the human nature. On the other hand, what was there to fear about if dying was a normal incident in life? Anxiety is linked with the satisfaction and the perception of life. The thought of death as an unavoidable event in our existence created a lighter feeling of joy. The fear of death enslaved the mind that can deteriorate the quality of life a person can have. The fear of death is worst than death itself. It molded a restricted world full of worries and tension. The elimination of anxieties due to the fear of death and the dying process gives a light of hope to continue 32476179_View on Death Page 6 living life to the fullest. The positive outlook of the research participants transformed the negative astonishment and uncomfortable emotion into a favorable and joyous feeling. Hence, the good things in life would be more cherished without the interference of sorrow and fear that abridge pleasures and memorable experiences. However, the moment of joy was tainted with a feeling of disappointment regarding the view of death. It arose when the person’s view of death became was anchored on the encounters and happenings in life. People sometimes have an unrealistic view of death, thinking that whatever happened to a friend or a family member would also happen to them. Some salient aspects of the context referred to the past experiences’ potential to affect the attitudes and perceptions towards their own death and dying. The experience may vary from the loss of dignity in death to the inevitable decay of the bodily material that was imprinted on the memory. People come short of realizing that there are numerous causes of deaths. It does not follow and guarantee an individual that what happened to your friend or parent would also happen to you. It is frustrating to know that people compare their own lives with others, even in the process of death. It is not the fear of death that was dreaded but the loss of life and the opportunities that come with it. The book consisted of refreshing ideas that generated the impression of leaving your fears behind and cherishing every moment in your life. Even as a young adult, the book inspired the readers not to be too consumed on the thought of death. There are many things to enjoy and to contemplate about death. Every person has different and unique encounters. Life must not be preempted and expected as how other people experience life incidences. 32476179_View on Death Page 7 It may be that fleeting or sporadic thoughts of dying and death have the power to maximize the value of life. Acceptance of death may be associated with increased meaning and satisfactions with living . To be adamantly discerning on the mortality of persons is to present an unsettling challenge to completely understand human nature. Thus, the book was not only about death but also the prevailing transitory of human nature and their way of life: people were too much consumed of repression, comparison, and expectations on death that they failed to understand the human existence. Reference: Cicirelli, V. G. (2002). Older Adults views on death. New York: Springer Publishing.

Free Essays - Autobiography of Malcolm X :: Malcolm X Essays

Review of the Autobiography of Malcolm X The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told by Alex Haley is about a man who changed the history of America. Malcolm (Little) X preached what he believed about racism, discrimination, and segregation. He went through many changes in his fight for equality. The three transformations that really changed the way Malcolm thought and preached where his transformation in prison, his transformation into the Islamic religion (following Elijah Muhammad), and the biggest transformation of all, his pilgrimage to Mecca. In all of Malcolm actions, teachings and transformations we learn different points of view and we get a good look at different aspects of events. The life of Malcolm (Little) X as told in his autobiography should be read by all. Malcolm X while in prison completed his first transformation. Like many great figures and history makers had a low point in is life. At this time Malcolm was into drugs, hustling, women and money. He became so dependant on making a lot of money he and some of his friends decided to rob the house of an old white man. They were caught for this crime and were not only charged with this crime but were also charged with having sex with white women. Malcolm and his friend "Shorty" were sentenced to six years in prison. The two white women that were Malcolm and Shorty’s accomplices were sentenced to a year in jail. During the first couple days of prison Malcolm was coming off a drug high and was having withdrawals. These withdrawals led Malcolm into solitary confinement for two months. When he was let out of his chamber he met the man that would later be responsible for Malcolm’s transformation. This man was a follower of the nation of Islam and the great Alijah Muha mmad. Malcolm learned a great deal form him. This shows us that even in the worst of circumstances we can learn and become better. This transformation was a great test for Malcolm and starts to let us see what a great influence he would end up being in the lives of many Americans. Malcolm’s second transformation was his immersion and dedication to the Nation of Islam. He followed the "great" Alijah Muhammad and his teachings. Malcolm started preaching to small amounts of followers. It did not take long for the word of Malcolm’s preaching to get into the community.

Computer: Helps or Affects the Learning Abilities Essay

A. Introduction The global technological and scientific setting today withstands the phenomenal rate of growth of information technology. Every nation is concerned on the international trend on technology, pursuing studies to maintain their global competitiveness. While computer is at hand, and is a conclusive evidence of advancement in science and technology; it is a task to maximize its purpose, primarily in learning. Computers have made such an enormous impact on our society today. There isn’t a place where you can turn into without computer. Computer, together with the connection to the Internet is such a useful thing for college students. Computer is a programmable machine that can perform computations including numerous arithmetic operations or logic operations, without intervention by human operator during run. But then, computer is here not to replace human skills out rather to ease the burden of work and expand the learning horizon of students. The two principal characteristics of a computer are: it responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner and it can execute a pre-recorded list of instructions (a program). B. Statement of the Problem The proponents observed the factors that may affect the learning capabilities of students. For that reason, the proponents would like to answer the following questions: 1. Did computer helps or affects the learning abilities of college students? 3. What are the positive and negative effects of computers that can affect the learning abilities of the students? 4. What are the impacts of such technological advancement to the learning process among students? 5. What actions did the parents do, knowing that there are several advantages and disadvantages of using technologies that are intended to lessen the complex work of man? C. Objectives of the Study Generally, this study aims to know how computer helps or affects the learning capabilities of the students. Specifically, this study aims: 1. Know what computers and Internet do to the studies of the college students. 2. Lessen the risks of computer misuse and to uphold the proper utilization of it. 3. Determine the positive and negative effects of computers. 4. Persuade the parents to set limitations and take actions on their children in using such technologies. D. Significance of the Study This study will considerably be significant to the students, proponents, parents and future researchers because this will help them to identify the advantages and disadvantages of the computers and this will also help as a baseline data for the similar studies. This study will be able to help students identify factors that can affect their performance and on how to improve their knowledge and skills as college students by using such said technologies without causing problems with their studies. The proponents will be also benefited by this study because this will improve their abilities and expose them to different advantages and disadvantages of this so that they will be able to know how to handle or face such situation. For the parents, they will be able to know to what are the factors that affect or help their children and they will also identify what to limit or what to encourage to their children in using the said technological advancement inside or outside the academe. This will help the future researchers to identify the advantages and disadvantages of the computers and this will also help them as a baseline data for the similar studies. E. Scope and Delimitation This study focuses on the harm or help done by the computer and Internet. The purpose of this study is to know how it affects or helps the students in their academic learning. The researchers considered working on this study to find out if the selected students were helped or affected by the said massive technological advancement and to guide them with the proper utilization of the said technology. E. Definition of Terms Computer. An electronic device which is capable of receiving information (data) in a particular form and of performing a sequence of operations in accordance with a predetermined but variable set of procedural instructions (program) to produce a result in the form of information or signals. Computer Software. Programs, procedures, rules and any associated documentation pertaining to the operation of a computer system. E-mail. Message, typically text, sent via telephone lines and modems from one personal computer to another, or to a commercial network or E-mail service that stores the sender’s message until the addressee comes to get it. Information Technology. The acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of various types of information via computers and telecommunications.

Mgt3202 (Change and Organization Development)

Issues (Change and Organizational Development) As  organizations evolve and come to be seen as dynamic, coping systems, the concept of how they change and methods by which they manage change has continued to be refined. (Rafe Harwood, ND) The organizational change can be structural change, technology, people or task. Managing a process of change in an organization can be a highly complex task and is often essential for effective organizational development (OD).The forces to boost the change in an organization are the Nature of the Workforce, Technology, Economic Shocks, Competition, Social Trends, and World Politics. Organizational Change entails thoughtful planning and sensitive implementation, and above all, consultation with, and involvement of, the people affected by the changes. (businessballs. com, 2012) * The observations made and any problems or issues reported by the people interviewed. Mr. NG KIAN BOON mentioned that his company, MITSUGOLD SDN. BHD. as experienced in chan ging organizational structure in terms of downsizing, he emphasize downsizing of his company is not shutting down the entire business or not because of not making profit within the organization, but to concentrate on the core and essential part of the business, and also to reduce the operating cost as they outsourcing to a real estate agency to help them do product promotion, marketing, and in house sales. He said that operational costs like computer, stationery, advertisement cost, space rental, utility bills and wages can be reduced when apply outsourcing.Moreover, real life example was given by him in his company, one of the tactful and experienced salesperson who already worked in MITSUGOLD SDN. BHD for more than 20 years ago since the company was established as a small size property developer. The woman is very used to do the sales work and she couldn’t do anything else except promoting project. As the world are changing more towards on high technology, most of the prese ntation are conducted by Microsoft PowerPoint and more visualize software as a presentation tools to give the potential buyer a clearer image of the product (eg.Residential unit) to attract them rather than the traditional ways of sales technique like verbally explained to them. As there is natural resistance over the organization change, MITSUGOLD SDN BHD will offer those employees a remuneration allowance to those does not want to change or couldn’t cope with the change. Whereas for those employees are willing to change, they will be offered a new job in other department or even promotion of the position, and also the training program. * The different perspectives on the situation which can be generated using Organization Behavior Theories and insights. The evaluation of the options for different potential recommendations & The chosen recommendationsReferences: Rafe Harwood, Organizational Change in Today's Economy, Rafe Harwood, year (Nil), online (accessed on 30th Oct 2012) available at: http://www. unfortu. net/~rafe/links/change. htm Businessballs. com, change management, Businessballs. com, 2012, online (accessed on 30th Oct 2012), available at: http://www. businessballs. com/changemanagement. htm http://managementhelp. org/organizationalchange/index. htm

Cisco Stock Pitch Essay

Cisco Stock Pitch Essay Cisco Stock Pitch Essay ISBE Principle Investments Group Cisco Systems Investment Research Presentation Nan Lin Introduction: ï  ® Cisco is worldwide leader in datanetworking equipment and software ï  ® ï  ® Current Revenue: $39.5 billion Data-networking: linking of computing devices together with hardware and software, allowing data communications ï  ® Allows you to share files with friends and family Business Model: ï  ® ï  ® ï  ® ï  ® Routers (24% of total revenue) Switches (40% of total revenue) Advanced Technologies (29% of total revenue) Services (6%) Cisco’s Major Customers ï  ® ï  ® ï  ® Large Enterprises, contributing to estimated 45-50% of firm’s total revenues Service Providers: customers that provide data, voice, or video communications, (25%) Commercial Customers: medium/small companies (25%) Routers ï  ® ï  ® ï  ® Core Routers: communication within network Edge Routers: communication within various local networks Enterprise Routers: sold to corporate consumers through large volume agreements, of which Cisco has 60% market share Switches, Advanced Technologies, and Services ï  ® Switches ï  ® Advanced Technologies ï  ® ï  ® Used to build networks over areas such as college campuses, to metropolitan, cities ï  ® Home networking, Wireless, Security, Storage Networking, Optical Networking ï  ® Advanced Services, Focused Technical Support and Network Optimization Support Services Investment Thesis ï  ® Potential for Revenue Growth ï  ® Top Competitor in Network & Communications Industry Potential for Revenue Growth ï  ® When investigating its potential for revenue growth, we examine the following: ï  ® ï  ® Recent Macro trends Industry analysis Macro Trends ï  ® Growth from the YouTube Effect ï  ® ï  ® Carriers spend massive amounts to upgrade their networks, spending benefited Cisco- largest manufacturer of routers Internet growth up to year 2012 increase as much as 46% per year Macro Trends II ï  ® Convergence Trend: demand for more sophisticated technologies ï  ® ï  ® ï  ® Companies makes products such as internet video cameras, media adapters Use of these products requires more routers and switchers- which Cisco provides Growing Advanced Technologies Macro Trend III: ï  ® Domestic vs International Growth: ï  ® ï  ® Cisco derives over half of sales within US and 21% from Europe Cisco has opportunities in Asia: ï  ® ï  ® ï  ® China: rapidly expanding economy~5% of revenue China censorship requires more demand for Cisco’s products Japan: large market~3.4% of revenue Industry Analysis: ï  ® Barriers to Entry: ï  ® High Research & Development Costs ï  ® ï  ® Cisco spends more on R & D than its competitors, allows firm to drive innovation of new products in technology industries Threats: ï  ® Firewall policies Competitive Analysis ï  ® One of the highest gross operating margin due to size and scale ï  ® ï  ® Allows Cisco to pay off fixed payments such as interest in debt. One of the lowest operating costs of its competitors ï  ® Cisco maintains cost levels around 35% of total sales while other companies costs up to half of their total revenues Competitive Analysis II ï  ® ï  ® ï  ® Cisco leads the market in routers, accounting for approximately 60% of sales Cisco generates about 42% of revenue from switches and leads the industry with about 70% market share Cisco’s huge size allows contracts with multiple suppliers. Cisco’s Top Competitors: Revenu COGS e (M) Cisco Gross R&D Margin expend % iture (M) $34.81 $14.0 B Juniper $3.6 B $1.2 Networ ks 65.8% $5 65.7% $.7 Alatel- 32.85% 2.80 16.9 3.10 Important Business Metrics CSCO ALU JNPR Industr y Market 132.14 7.68 B 13.11 B 257.38 Cap B M Revenu 34.81 B 16.9 m 3.30B 165.93 e lbs. M Gross 65.8% 65.7% 32.85% 41.7% Margin EBITDA 8.73 B N/A 666.60 15.08M M Important SEC Filing Info ï  ® Balance Sheet: ï  ® Cisco has strong cash balance of $34.08 B ï  ® Cisco has significant cash to develop its growth through M & A. ï  ® ï  ® In the past, Cisco bought Tandberg, ScanSafe Inc to maintain high growth rates. On January 7, 2010, Cisco announces plan to acquire

PSAT Test Dates 2015

PSAT Test Dates 2015 SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips The PSAT test dates of 2015 have come and gone, but they are not forgotten - especially for students aiming to become National Merit Finalists. This guide will go over the exact PSAT test dates in 2015, as well as discuss how test-takers can make the most of their PSAT score reports today. If you’re looking for future PSAT test dates, then check out this guide instead. If you’re in the right spot, then read on to learn about how the PSAT testing schedule works for participating students. What to Know About PSAT Test Dates Unlike many other standardized tests, like the SAT or ACT, you don’t choose when you take the PSAT. Instead, your high school registers juniors and chooses the test date from two options in October. If you’re a ninth or tenth grader who wants to take the PSAT, then you have to ask your school counselor to sign you up. College Board gave schools two choices for test dates in 2015, a primary and an alternate. Both test dates fell on a weekday, on a Wednesday to be exact. Most schools administered the PSAT on the primary test date. Below are the exact dates for the primary and alternate testing dates for the PSAT in 2015. PSAT Test Dates in 2015 Schools administered the PSAT on one of these two test dates in 2015. Primary test date: October 14, 2015 Alternate test date: October 28, 2015 Most schools held the PSAT on October 14, 2015. The only exception would be if the school had a scheduling conflict that day and had to go with the alternate test date. Once students took the PSAT, they waited a few months to get back their scores. For juniors, October is the month of pumpkins, pie, and the PSAT. When Did 2015 PSAT Scores Come Out? Scores from the 2015 PSAT came out on January 7th, 2016. On that date, students could sign into their College Board accounts and view their score reports. Counselors actually had access to the scores one day earlier, on January 6. In addition to online score reports, students got paper score reports around January 29. Forstudents who took the PSAT in 2015 or who will be taking it in the future, why are PSAT scores important? Why Are PSAT Scores Important? PSAT scores are important for two main reasons. First, they give you essential feedback about your skills as a test-taker, and you can use that feedback to prepare for the SAT. Secondly, PSAT score reports tell any juniors who took the test whether or not they will qualify for National Merit distinction and scholarships. Let’s take a closer look at both of these functions of your PSAT scores. 1. Practice and Feedback for the SAT The PSAT and SAT are very similar tests, so your score report on the PSAT can help you figure out how to improve for the SAT. Both tests have Reading, Writing and Language, and math sections. The main difference is that the PSAT doesn’t have an essay section. Your PSAT score report will give you detailed feedback on your performance. You should take time to look at your results and pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses. If you struggled on the math section, for instance, then you can focus especially on math as you get ready for the SAT. By figuring out where you lost points, you can make efforts to get those kinds of questions right for next time. Your score report can also prompt you to reflect on the test-taking experience. Did you find yourself running out of time? Would you benefit from trying new test-taking strategies, like process of elimination on vocabulary questions? If you took the PSAT in 2015 and are still planning to take the SAT, you should carefully consider your PSAT score report and use it to design your SAT prep plan. Your PSAT score report gives you useful feedback on your skills as a test-taker. You can use that insightas you get ready for the SAT. 2. National Merit Distinctions and Scholarships If you took the PSAT as a junior, then you’re in the running for National Merit distinction and scholarships. The top 3% to 4% of scorers werenamed Commended Scholars, while students who score in the top 1% werenamed Semifinalists and couldmove on to become Finalists and win scholarship money. National Merit Scholarship Corporation hasn’t released its exact state-by-state cutoffs yet, but we can estimate the cutoffs based on data from past years. About a year after they took the PSAT in 2015, about 16,000 students across the country foundout if they achieved Semifinalist status. If you were one of those students who took the PSAT in October 2015, how can you make the most of your PSAT score report now? Make the Most of Your PSAT Score Report If you’re still planning to take the SAT, then your PSAT score report can help you design a study plan. Look closely at the sections where you excelled and the sections where you could use some improvement. Think about what skills you can work on to get better as a test-taker, whether you need to review specific concepts or practice time management. As you study for the SAT, try to identify and target your weak areas. Gather lots of practice questions, time yourself, and score your practice tests. Continue to measure your progress with your practice test score reports, just as you did with your PSAT score report. By taking time to analyze your PSAT and SAT practice test score reports, you can root out your weak areas and gaugeyour progress as you work toward your target SAT scores. In closing, let’s go over the key points you should remember about the PSAT in 2015, how it was administered, and how you can make the most of your PSAT score report now. Use your PSAT score report to target your weak areas and improve for the next test you take. PSAT in 2015: Key Takeaways Most schools administered the PSAT on Wednesday, October 14, 2015. Juniors automatically tookthe test and competed for National Merit distinction. Younger students couldalso request to take the test, and they coulduse the experience as practice for the junior year PSAT and the SAT. If you took the test in 2015, then you got your scores online on January 7th. Whether you’re competing for National Merit or prepping for the SAT, you can gain valuable insight from your PSAT score report. Take time to analyze your performance, figure out your strengths and weaknesses, and reflect on the experience to get ready for the SAT. What’s Next? Are you preparing to take the SAT? Check out our ultimate SAT prep guides for the Reading, Writing and Language, and Math sections of the SAT. Did you take the PSAT as a younger student in 2015? If you're aiming for top scores when you take the test as a junior, check out this full guide to getting a perfect score on the PSAT. Have you started taking steps to apply to college? For a full overview of the entire college application process, check out this comprehensive guide. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now: