What is it and Why is it important? PSAT What is it and Why is it important?

What is the PSAT? It is the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test It is great practice for standardized tests. It can qualify you for scholarship programs after taking it your junior year. You also receive a free, tailored practice program for the SAT through Kahn Academy after taking the PSAT and free access to the Roadmap to Careers online tool from Roadtrip Nation to explore majors and careers.

Deadlines Test will be October 11, 2017. Deadline for signing up for the test in attendance is September 15. This can not be extended. Cost is $16. See Mrs. Dodd or Mrs. Hogue in attendance to sign up. If money is an issue, email your guidance counselor.

What do I bring to the test? #2 Pencil – no mechanical of any kind Eraser Calculator- see approved calculators in the PSAT student guide or online NO Scrap paper. All work is completed in the book but only the answer sheet is scored.

What is on the PSAT? The PSAT/NMSQT measures: Evidence Based Reading and Writing Reading Test Writing and Language Test Math 40 Multiple Choice 8 Student Response Questions Focus on the knowledge, skills, and understandings that research has identified as most important for college and career readiness and success. Greater emphasis on the meaning of words in extended contexts and on how word choice shapes meaning, tone, and impact Rights-only scoring (no penalty for guessing)

How is the Test Organized? The PSAT/NMSQT includes four sections: Reading 47 Q in 60 minutes Writing and Language 44 Q in 35 minutes Math 48 Q in 70 minutes The whole test requires two hours and 45 minutes.

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

Reading 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.

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.

Math 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. 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 The Math Test will focus in depth on the three areas of math that play the biggest role in a wide range of college majors and careers: Heart of Algebra, which focuses on the mastery of linear equations and systems. Problem Solving and Data Analysis, which is about being quantitatively literate. Passport to Advanced Math, which features questions that require the manipulation of complex equations.

Grid-Ins Although most of the questions on the Math Test are multiple choice, 17 percent are student-produced response questions, also known as grid-ins. Instead of choosing a correct answer from a list of options, you’ll need to solve problems and enter your answers in the grids provided on the answer sheet.

Practice for PSAT CMS Guidance webpage Mr. Nichols’ webpage https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/practice Khan Academy - Students can go to college board and create log-in.  They then take a practice test.  Next, the program gives the student an individual plan for assignment on Khan Academy according to their specific needs.  Shmoop

Practice for the PSAT Take the practice test in the Official Student Guide to the PSAT/NMSQT. Learn the directions for each type of question. Earn as many points as you can on easy questions. Read all the answer choices before marking your answer sheet. Work steadily -- don't waste time on hard questions. You can always go back to them later. Try educated guessing when you can eliminate at least one answer to a multiple-choice question. Be sure you understand the difference between educated and random guessing.

Practice for the PSAT Lets take a few minutes and look at some practice sample questions. http://collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/prep.html

Videos Why take the PSAT? Watch this video http://www.fox2detroit.com/good- day/30859811-story Once you have received your scores, watch this video for details on reading your scores. It will be linked on Mr. Nichols’ website. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzCSIilL3WQ

Scholarships Taking and scoring very well on the PSAT is the first step in becoming a National Merit Finalist. (There is more to becoming a Finalist but taking the test is the first step) Being a National Merit Finalist is obviously a recognition that will get the attention of most colleges. There are also different types of scholarships that you can apply for as a National Merit Finalist. Every Finalist is given consideration for a National Merit Scholarship. Finalists are named Scholars (in other words, receive the scholarship) based on the strength of their applications. Scholars have outstanding applications that demonstrate academic commitment, extracurricular and community involvement, passion, and drive. These scholarships are awarded to only 2,500 Finalists, or about 1 in 6 Finalists. They are a one-time award of $2,500 and are not renewable throughout your years of college.

Scholarships The second type of scholarship offered by NMSC is a corporate-sponsored scholarship. Finalists are also automatically given consideration for these scholarships based on their applications and the information they provide about parental employment, intended majors, and career plans. Most corporate sponsors give awards to students whose parents or guardians work for them. A small number award non-employee children if they indicate an interest in a major or career choice that the corporation wants to support. As this changes year to year, you should check with your corporation of interest to learn about their award criteria. Finalists who do not receive either the National Merit Scholarships or a Corporate- Sponsored Scholarships are considered for College-Sponsored scholarships. Students must indicate one of the sponsor colleges as their First Choice college on their applications. Students who put “Undecided” will not be considered. So, even if you’re not sure, you should still put one of the sponsoring colleges as your first choice or add one to your application ASAP.