Prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT®: A Step to the Future Skills Tested on the PSAT/NMSQT Scoring the PSAT/NMSQT Test Preparation Strategies

What is the PSAT/NMSQT? Measures academic skills you’ll need for college Co-sponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation Serves as an entry point to National Merit Scholarship Corporation competitions and practice for the SAT Approximately 3.5 million students participate each year What is PSAT /NMSQT? Preliminary SAT / National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test

Why Take the PSAT/NMSQT Start getting ready for college See your scores online and learn more about what they mean at collegeboard.org/psatscoring Get free, personalized, and focused practice through Khan Academy® Prepare for the SAT® Enter scholarship competitions See which AP courses you might be ready for Admissions and financial aid information: Students who say “Yes” to Student Search Service® when they take the test will be eligible to receive free information from colleges and scholarship services. Feedback on academic skills: Personalized feedback on Reading, Writing & Language and Math skills, including specific suggestions for improvement. Preparation for the SAT: Same question types, format, and testing conditions as the SAT. Introduction to Khan Academy – FREE test prep website College and career planning tools: Free access to an online tool that provides personalized information and interactive college and career planning resources. Scholarship and recognition opportunities: Entry point for National Merit Scholarship Corporation programs (in 11th grade) and other scholarship and recognition opportunities, including the National Hispanic Recognition Program AP Potential

What are the components of the New PSAT/NMSQT? The test assesses the academic skills developed over the years, considered essential for success in high school and college. Test Components include: Reading – tests ability to Draw an inference to reach the right conclusion Infer somewhat more complicated relationships based on more subtle pieces of information stated in the text Recognize trends in graphical data Writing and Language Use punctuation effectively in somewhat challenging contexts Edit compound and complex sentences Accurately incorporate somewhat detailed or nuanced information from graphics into a text Math Most math questions will be multiple choice, but some will be student-produced responses (grid-ins). The Math Test is divided into two portions: Math Test – Calculator; and Math Test – No Calculator. Some parts present students with a scenario and ask questions about it. Focuses on testing skills in the areas of Reading, Writing & Language and Mathematics.

Comparison of the Major Features: Pre-2015 and Post-2015 PSAT/NMSQT Category Pre-2015 PSAT/NMSQT New PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 Total Testing Time* *Subject to research 2 hours and 10 minutes 2 hours and 45 minutes Components Critical Reading Writing Mathematics Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Reading Test Writing and Language Test Math Important Features Emphasis on general reasoning skills Emphasis on vocabulary, often in limited contexts Complex scoring (a point for a correct answer and a deduction for an incorrect answer; blank responses have no impact on scores) Continued emphasis on reasoning alongside a clearer, stronger focus on the knowledge, skills, and understandings 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 (a point for a correct answer but no deduction for an incorrect answer; blank responses have no impact on scores) Score Reporting*  Scale ranging from 60 to 240 Scale ranging from 20 to 80 for Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing Scores will be reported on a shared common score scale with the SAT: The scale ranges for the PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 scores are 320–1520 for the total score, 160–760 for each of two section scores, and 8–38 for test scores. Subscore Reporting None Subscores for every test, providing added insight for students, parents, educators, and counselors Snapshot of how the old PSAT compares with the Re-designed PSAT

How does the PSAT/NMSQT compare to the SAT? Structure: Aligned with the New SAT and almost the same length, except PSAT/NMSQT does not have an essay component. Key changes have connected test more closely to course work, and made them more useful for college admission officers. Length: The New PSAT/NMSQT is 2 hours, 45 minutes (+10 min break) The SAT is 3 hours (+15 min. in breaks). The SAT with Essay is 3hours, 50min (+17 min in breaks) Level of Difficulty: Overall difficulty level is believed to be about the same as the old tests. PSAT is very similar to SAT The main difference PSAT and SAT is students won’t compose an actual essay for the PSAT, but they will for the SAT. Length of Test: Sitting 2 hours and 45 minutes for the PSAT can give students a feel for taking a test of considerable length - like the 3 hours and 45 minutes required for the SAT. Level of Difficulty – Math test will focus on three essential areas of math: Problem Solving and Data Analysis, the Heart of Algebra and Passport to Advanced Math

Calculators are Encouraged Additional calculator tips: Don't try to use the calculator on every question. No question requires one. Decide how to solve each problem; then decide whether to use a calculator. Make sure your calculator is in good working order and that batteries are fresh. You will not be permitted to use a pocket organizer; laptop or handheld electronic device; cell phone calculator; or calculator with QWERTY (typewriter-like) keypad, with paper tape, that makes noise or “talks,” or that requires an electrical outlet. We will not be providing calculators, so if a student wishes to use one they will need to bring it. A scientific or graphing calculator is recommended. Bring a familiar calculator. Test day is not the time to figure out how to use a new calculator.

NEW on Re-Designed PSAT and SAT “Rights-only” scoring How is the New PSAT/NMSQT Scored? NEW on Re-Designed PSAT and SAT “Rights-only” scoring • a point for a correct answer • no deduction for an incorrect answer • blank responses earn no points In some testing situations, students are encouraged to not leave any questions unanswered, even if they have no idea what the correct answer is. On the PSAT and SAT, incorrect answers no longer result in a ¼ point deduction. Students are encouraged to use deductive reasoning to eliminate possible answers and then select their best guess, but if they are unable to narrow their choices, it may be better not to leave the question unanswered since there is no longer a penalty for wrong answers on the PSAT or SAT. Unanswered questions do not earn points and therefore will impact your score.

How is the New PSAT/NMSQT Scored? Scale: Total Score = 320 to 1520 2 Section Scores = 160–760 each Evidence-Based Reading & Writing Math 3 Test Scores Reading Writing & Language The New PSAT consists of 2 sections – Evidence Based Reading and Writing (which includes Reading and Writing & Language) and Math– and for each section the student can earn anywhere from 160 - 760points (or a total possible score between 320 and 1520) On the SAT, students will be tested on the same 2 sections, but the scoring is from 200 – 800 per section (or a total possible score of 400-1600).

Personalized Skills Information The PSAT/NMSQT Score Report: Students will: be able to see which answers they got right or wrong Receive personalized information on the types of skills student needs to improve to prepare for the SAT and college Receive information on how to improve their skills. Refer to back of Parent Perspective flyer for Score Report details.

Test Preparation: Long-Term READ! Continuous reading improves vocabulary and develops essential skills. Read more books than just those required for class. Take Challenging Courses! This will help you to develop and strengthen your critical thinking skills.

Test Preparation: Short-Term Take the practice test in the Official Student Guide to the PSAT/NMSQT. Understand scoring and “educated guessing.” Familiarize yourself with the test’s format, questions types, and directions. The Official Student Guide to the PSAT / NMSQT will be distributed to students when they sign up for the PSAT either by paying the fee at the student store during their lunch, or for Juniors who qualify for a fee waiver – when they turn the completed Fee Waiver Request Form in to Ms. McCabe. All sophomores will take the test provided by EGUSD and will receive their PSAT Bulletin in their 1st period class.

Get your full score report online Studentscores.collegeboard.org Get your full report online studentscores.collegeboard.org access code A02670146P SAT Practice AP and Course Work Register for the SAT Connect to FREE, world-class See which AP courses may Select an SAT test date and SAT practice online on be a good match for you register for it now Get your full score report online Personal Access code provided on your paper score report +PLUS+ SAT Practice Connect to FREE, world-class SAT practice online khanacademy.org/sat AP and Course Work See which AP courses may be a good match for you Register for the SAT Select an SAT test date and register for it now

To learn more, visit www.collegeboard.org. The College Board developed BigFuture.org to make the college planning process easier and less overwhelming for students and parents. Students can: Start with a focus on themselves: their interests, what and where they want to study, how much financial assistance they think they’ll need and other important considerations Search for colleges and easily compare them based on factors ranging from majors to size and location Watch videos from real students who explain what they did to get into college and what their college experience has been like Hear from education professionals who provide the inside story on preparing for and getting into college Learn about the different kinds of colleges and how to find one that is the right fit for them. Find valuable help in paying for college by discovering what goes into college costs an dhow to find financing Build a personalized plan for realizing their goals and getting into a college that meets their needs

Take the PSAT/NMSQT How to Sign Up: Pay $15.00 Test Fee at the Student Store between Mon., Sept. 19th and Mon., Oct. 3rd Eligible Juniors (enrolled in or qualified for Free or Reduced Lunch Program) can see Ms. McCabe to request a PSAT fee waiver. All Sophomores will take the PSAT, provided by EGUSD – no sign up required. Test Day/Date: Wednesday, October 19th Time: 7:15 A.M. *Reverse Minimum Day Schedule Location: Assigned Classrooms Bring: Student ID Two #2 Pencils Calculator (Calculators will not be provided.) Note to Presenter: Use this slide to inform your students about the PSAT/NMSQT test day by editing the slide in Microsoft PowerPoint. Provide the important facts, such as day, date, and location of testing, as well as a reminder to bring a calculator (optional) and #2 pencils. Remember, Social Security numbers and email addresses are optional. You may also want to include information about the cost of the test; where and when they register (with a deadline date); and anything else that you think they’ll need to know.