PSAT for 10 th Grade WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!

PSAT FAQ Q: When is the test? A: Wednesday Oct 15 7:30 am-11:30am

PSAT FAQ Q: What do I need to bring? A: – Two No. 2 pencils with erasers (not mechanical) – An approved calculator (no cell phone calculator) An approved calculator – Social security number (optional) – address (optional) – Current and valid school or government issued photo

PSAT FAQ Q: What can I NOT bring in? A: – Protractors, compasses, rulers – Dictionaries or other books (no exceptions, even if English is not a student's first language) – Pamphlets or papers of any kind – Highlighters and colored pens or pencils – Listening, recording, copying, or photographic devices (including watches and cell phones that contain cameras) – Food and beverages, including bottled water

PSAT FAQ Q: Why take the PSAT? A: Taking the PSAT/NMSQT is excellent practice for the SAT because they both have the same format and evaluate the same skills. In addition, PSAT/NMSQT score reports give students personalized feedback based on test results, along with custom SAT study plans. Test scores can also be used to estimate your projected SAT score range.

PSAT FAQ Q: What is on the test? A: – Critical Reading (vocabulary, comprehending sentences, reading effectively) – Mathematics (number and operations, algebra and functions, geometry and measurement, data analysis, stats and probability) – Writing

PSAT FAQ Q: How do I prepare for the test? A: READ the Official Student Guide that was given to you > It gives you lots of sample questions, test-taking tips and even a full length practice exam Know the Test- Students perform better if they know what’s on the test, how long each section takes, and other key details. Practice online- nmsqt/preparation/practice-for-the-testhttps:// nmsqt/preparation/practice-for-the-test

Test-Taking Strategies Know When to Guess Making a guess when you can eliminate at least one answer to a multiple-choice question is called educated guessing. Educated guessing is helpful, but random guessing is not recommended because a quarter-point is deducted for every wrong answer to a multiple-choice question. Getting only half the questions right and not answering the rest will still earn an above-average score.

More Strategies Read all the answer choices before marking the answer sheet. Use the test book for scratch work. Work steadily — don't waste time on hard questions. Come back to them after answering all the easier questions. Check the answer sheet regularly to make sure you're in the right place.

Tips for Effective Writing Be consistent – Verb tenses, keep pronouns consistent, noun agreement, subject-verb agreement Express ideas logically Be clear and precise SEE PAGE 31 OF YOUR STUDENT GUIDE

General test-taking skills Get plenty of rest the night before Relax Don’t rush, but work steadily Check your answer sheet Don’t spend too much time on questions you don’t know Give your best effort