PSAT Score Back Night Randolph High School – 2/3/2016

Per the College Board, the New PSAT measures what you learn in high school and what you need to succeed in college Helps students to form a gameplan for success in the college admissions process Highly recommended that all Juniors take the exam due to the National Merit Competition. Start taking this exam as early as Freshman year if your school offers it! No penalty for incorrect answers 4 answer choices No Essay PSAT – Quick Facts

PSAT Format 44 Writing and Language questions in 35 minutes 47 Reading questions in 60 minutes 48 Math questions in 70 minutes Total: 139 questions in 2 hours and 45 minutes

Writing & Language: Facts All questions are multiple choice and based on passages. Some passages are accompanied by informational graphics, such as tables, graphs, and charts — but no math is required. Prior topic knowledge is never tested.

Writing & Language: Question Types Command of Evidence Improving the way passages develop information and ideas Words in Context Improving word word choice by making passage more precise or improving syntax, style, and tone Analysis in History/Social Studies, and Science Improving passages about topics in history, social studies, and science Expressions of Ideas Improving organization and sentence or paragraph structure Standard English Conventions Improving sentence structure, usage, and punctuation (verb tense, subject-verb agreement, parallel construction, comma use, etc.)

Reading: Facts All Reading Test questions are multiple choice and based on passages. Some passages are paired with other passages. Informational graphics, such as tables, graphs, and charts, accompany some passages — but no math is required. Prior topic-specific knowledge is never tested.

Reading: Facts Continued The Reading Test Always Includes: One passage from a classic or contemporary work of U.S. or world literature. One passage or a pair of passages from either a U.S. founding document or a text in the great global conversation they inspired. The U.S. Constitution or a speech by Nelson Mandela, for example. A selection about economics, psychology, sociology, or some other social science. Two science passages (or one passage and one passage pair) that examine foundational concepts and developments in Earth science, biology, chemistry, or physics.

Reading: Question Types Command of Evidence Find the evidence that best supports the answer to a question or serves as the basis for a reasonable conclusion Identify how authors use evidence to support claims Find relationship between an info graphic and the passage it is paired with Words in Context Use context clues in a passage to figure out which meaning of a word or phrase is being used Decide how word choice shapes meaning, style, and tone Analysis in History/Social Studies and Science Use reading skills to examine hypotheses, interpret data, and consider implications

Math: Facts Most math questions will be multiple choice, but some — called grid-ins — ask you to come up with the answer rather than select the answer. About 17% of the questions are grid-ins. The Math Test is divided into two portions: Math Test – Calculator and Math Test – No Calculator. Some parts of the test include several questions about a single scenario.

Math: Question Types Heart of Algebra Geometry & Intermediate Algebra Problem Solving & Data Analysis Ratios, percentages, statistics, single & Multistep problems involving measurement, graph and scatterplot interpretation Passport to Advanced Math Advanced Algebra

PSAT vs. SAT The SAT is about 1 hour longer and includes the “optional” Essay (3 hours and 50 minutes) Historically the PSAT has included slightly easier math concepts and no trigonometry Both tests include the same question types and sections, except for the essay Both tests include 4 answer choices for multiple choice questions and there is NO penalty for guessing

Scoring The two sections of the SAT, Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math, are scored on a scale of points The total score is a sum of the two section scores and ranges from 320 – 1520 points College Board also provides test scores, cross-test scores, and subscores in order to provide additional feedback on your readiness level. 3 test scores on a scale of 8-38 points are provided: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math 2 cross-test scores on a scale of 8-38 points are provided based on selected questions in the Reading, Writing and Language, and Math tests. 7 subscores on a scale of 1-15 are provided 2 Reading and Writing and Language subscores: Command of Evidence and Words in Context 2 Writing and Language subscores: Expressions of Ideas and Standard English Conventions 3 Math subscores: Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Passport to Advanced Math

Who will see your PSAT score? Your High School Your High School District (in many cases) States (in many cases) National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) National Hispanic Recognition Program National Scholarship Service Telluride Seminar Scholarships Colleges do not receive scores

Understanding your PSAT Results

Your Section & Composite Scores Are you on track? National Percentile & Overall benchmarks. More Detailed Performance Measurements Test Scores, Subscores, and Cross- Test Scores.

Understanding your PSAT Results National Merit Info Next Steps: Some ideas on what you can do to improve

Understanding your PSAT Results Your answers: Questions & Answer Explanations Are Available Online: studentscores.collegeboard. org

National Merit Scholarship Competition Sponsored By the National Merit Scholarship Corporation A very rigorous competition. Out of around 1.5 million entrants, about 50,000 qualify for recognition. Around 9,700 students receive an award. The Selection Index is different for each state and is based on the student scores within that state. Only Juniors can enter the competition. Sophomores and Freshmen do not qualify. Whether or not you receive a scholarship, it is an honor to be commended, named a semifinalist, or a finalist. To enter National Merit Scholarship Corporations competitions, you must: 1. be a full-time high school student; 2. graduate the following year and enroll in college full-time; 3. complete grades 9-12 in four years; and 4. be a U.S. citizen.

Now that I understand my score, what’s next? 1. Visit CollegeBoard.org and take a look at the average SAT or ACT score for students who were accepted to your dream school(s). How far are you from that goal? 2. Consider why you may not have done as well as you’d hoped. Have you previously studied with a tutor for the SAT or ACT? Was the test more arduous than you expected? 3. Make a game plan! Most students take the SAT or ACT 2 to 3 times and work with a tutor to prep for the exam. Catalyst’s Program Advisor’s can help you interpret your test scores, highlight the areas where you need improvement, and create a customized game plan that fits your needs and schedule.

TIMELINE FOR FRESHMEN, SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS Freshmen Make a plan to get a four-year degree by speaking to your counselors. Advanced degree options include: 1. Associates Degree (AA): A degree granted by a two-year college in particular course of study. 2. Bachelors Degree (BA or BS):This is an academic degree granted for an undergraduate course or major that lasts for four years. Learn about the SAT and ACT

Sophomores Speak to counselors about how you can enroll for the PSAT/EXPLORE. Your junior year, the PSAT will double as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test or NMSQT. - Highly suggested in your Junior year but encouraged in Sophomore year. Anticipate junior year SAT/ ACT tests - Junior year is when most students take the SAT/ACT for the first time. Start a college search - By starting to think about what schools you are interested in, you can start to plan on how to achieve the SAT scores and/or ACTs scores particular schools are looking for. TIMELINE FOR FRESHMEN, SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS

Juniors Strive for the most competitive GPA and take a challenging course load. Colleges view extracurricular commitments favorably- quality over quantity. Take the PSAT (October) because this is the year it REALLY counts. Begin narrowing down your choices of colleges. Start your SAT and ACT Preparation as early as the summer before your Junior Fall semester and by the latest your Junior Spring semester. Register for your SATs and ACTs- avoid late fees and have the opportunity to choose your testing location early. TIMELINE FOR FRESHMEN, SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS

Resources For Students Guidance Counselors Khan Academy- Partnered with College Board to offer free practice sessions and informational videos. Visit to sign upwww.khanacademy.org Test Prep Options: Course sequences, private tutoring or weekend bootcamps

Catalyst’s Approach to the SAT & ACT Insider knowledge of these exams, and we pass our expertise to students with patience, understanding, and a welcome sprinkling of humor and creativity Thorough personality evaluation designed to best match a new student with a tutor Go-to strategies for every question students will encounter on the day of the test.

Individual Prep 12, 15, or 18, 90-minute in-home lessons One on one, with expert tutor SAT or ACT Course Sequences 8, 2-hour lessons & 4 full length practice exams. Hosted at your school. Small class sizes. Some of Catalyst’s Preparation Programs Prep With A Friend 12, 15, or 18, 90 minute in-home lessons Enables two (or three) academically- compatible students to pair up for in- home SAT or ACT lessons SAT or ACT Bootcamp One weekend (two 4-hour days) covering the full breadth of the exam Hosted at your school the weekend before the official exam

Upcoming Events! New SAT Bootcamp at Randolph High School 9am - 1pm on Saturday, February 27 th & Sunday, February 28 th. Students attend both days. Just $175 for the entire weekend and course materials.