Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Results Why are you here? Purpose – Learn how to interpret score report – “Pep talk” for PSAT/NMSQT as Juniors – Receive score report Non-Purpose – Review your individual score reports in detail – Access computers to log into College Board website/resources

Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Results Why take the PSAT? Provides practice for the SAT Obtain specific feedback to address areas of weakness Improve scores to qualify for the National Merit competition/scholarships as a Junior Receive information from colleges/universities

Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Results 5 Major Parts of Your PSAT/NMSQT Results Your Scores Review Your Answers Improve Your Skills Your Educational Plans 3 Test Sections Critical Reading Mathematics Writing Skills Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Results NMSC Programs

Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Results Your Scores If you are a junior, your scores are compared to those of other juniors. If you are a sophomore or younger student, then your scores are compared to those of sophomores.

Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Results Review Your Answers You will get your original test book back with your PSAT/NMSQT results, so that you can review the test questions. You may also review each test question by logging in to My College QuickStart.

Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Results Review Your Answers: Mathematics Alg = Algebra & Functions Data = Data Analysis, Statistics & Probability Geom = Geometry & Measurement Num = Number & Operations

Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Results Review Your Answers: Student-Produced Responses The written answers are not scored. Only answers gridded in the ovals are scored.

Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Results Correct answer = plus 1 point Omitted answer = no points Wrong answer on multiple-choice question = minus ¼ point Wrong answer on student-produced response question = No points lost Answer Summary & Scoring

Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Results The skills listed are based on your individual performance. Follow the suggestions noted in “how to improve” and work with your teachers. Review skills using questions listed. Improve Your Skills

Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Results National Merit Scholarship Corporation Information The Entry Requirements section displays information you provided on your answer sheet. The Percentile compares your performance to that of other college-bound juniors. The Selection Index is the sum of your critical reading, mathematics and writing skills scores. If it has an asterisk, you do not meet all of the eligibility requirements for the competition.

Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Results Based on the college major you provided on your answer sheet, this section will give you: -Description of that major -Skills associated with that major -Recommended high school courses for that major Your Educational Plans

Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Results The access code that you may use to set up a My College QuickStart account is located in several places on the score report. Use the access code at to set up your account. Your access will last through to the end of high school. My College QuickStart™

Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Results My College QuickStart™

Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Results PSAT Class of 2010 Increase/Decrease from 10th to 11th 113 STUDENTS FROM THE CLASS OF 2010 TOOK THE PSAT BOTH THEIR SOPHOMORE AND JUNIOR YEARS. POINTS INCREASED CRITICAL READING MATHWRITING 1-3 points points points points TOTAL STUDENTS WHO INCREASED 77 (68%) 90 (80%) 78 (69%) 0 points & Below

Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Results PSAT Class of 2010 Increase/Decrease from 10th to 11th Selection Index Scores (CR+M+W) – 61 student’s scores increased 10 to 38 points – 37 student’s scores increased 1 to 9 points – 15 student’s scores were unchanged or decreased 1 to 20 points

Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Results Recommendations Review score reports Use test booklet Use College Board website and its resources (My College QuickStart) Participate in an SAT prep course Read, read, read and write, write, write Take rigorous courses (Advanced Placement, etc.)