Taking the PSAT What you need to know Brought to you by your counselors in the CB West Guidance Department

What is the PSAT? Standardized Test The SAT and ACT are used as part of college admissions & merit scholarships for many schools. These exams are designed to take a snapshot of where you stand in terms of college readiness. Practice and gain valuable experience for the SAT by taking the PSAT in October during 10th and 11th grades.

PSAT vs SAT / ACT Why not just take the SAT or ACT instead? You’ll get more feedback from the PSAT vs. the SAT / ACT The PSAT score report you receive is designed to show specific areas of strength and weakness, helping you better prepare. PSAT costs less (a lot less) PSAT ($20) vs SAT ($57) vs ACT ($58) True practice: PSAT results are not seen by any colleges.

PSAT ADMINISTRATION The PSAT will be given on Saturday, October 15th, 2016 This is the only opportunity to take the PSAT this school year. Plan to arrive at 7:30am on the day of testing. Your assigned testing room will be posted on the Guidance window during the week before the exam. Come prepared with #2 pencils, and an approved calculator. Get plenty of rest the night before!

PSAT REGISTRATION Registration is online at www.mypaymentsplus.com Parents need to create a free account, or login if an account already exists. Your parent will need your school student ID number to add a new student or create a new account. After your account is created, select “CB West PSAT Registration 2016-2017” Cost is $20 per exam. see your counselor if you have a financial need Registration closes on October 7th , but seats may be sell out prior to then… first come, first serve!

PSAT SECTION BREAKDOWN Total Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes (plus breaks and 30 to 50 minute pre-administration section)

PSAT Content Reading 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.

PSAT Content Writing and Language 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. The Writing and Language Test is part of the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section.

PSAT Content Math Most math questions will be multiple choice, but some ask you to come up with the answer rather than select the answer. 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.

NEXT STEPS This presentation can be viewed again by going to the CB West Guidance website. The CollegeBoard website on the PSAT offers a great deal of information, as well as full practice tests. Google “PSAT inside the test” if you can’t use the link. There is also official practice through Khan Academy! Sign up soon through www.mypaymentsplus.com!