Erikka Goff Director Georgetown Learning Centers

 Answer frequently asked questions about the PSAT  Interpret the score report  Explore My College QuickStart

 To prepare for the SAT, which is one of the factors used by universities and colleges to determine who they accept.  PSAT scores are not for use by colleges as part of their admission criteria.  To qualify for the National Merit Scholarship program (11 th -graders only). Selection Index scores 201 and above.

 More than 3.5 million students  Mostly juniors  Over 23,000 high schools  Albemarle County pays for all 10 th and 11 th graders to take the PSAT.

 The PSAT provides a standardized view of scholastic skills in three basic areas ◦ Critical reading ◦ Mathematics problem-solving ◦ Writing skills  Helps compare student performance to other college-bound students nationwide  Helps students see if they are on the right track for college readiness

 Students receive one point for each correct answer  For incorrect answers to multiple-choice questions, ¼ of a point is deducted  Nothing is deducted for incorrect answers on the student-produced response questions  The student’s score is reported on a scale of 20 to 80 for each section (Critical Reading, Math and Writing)  Maximum total score of 240

 The average score for eleventh graders was about: ◦ 47 in Critical Reading ◦ 49 in Mathematics ◦ 46 in Writing Skills  The average score for tenth graders was about: ◦ 43 in Critical Reading ◦ 44 in Mathematics ◦ 41 in Writing Skills

 On average, students’ scores as juniors (compared to their scores as sophomores) are 3.3 points higher in critical reading, 4.0 points higher in math, and 3.3 points higher in writing skills

 The PSAT is scored on a scale from 20 to 80 where the SAT is scored on a scale from 200 to 800  On average, juniors taking the PSAT in October and the SAT the following spring have SAT scores that are 17 points higher in critical reading, 16 points higher in math, and 22 points higher in writing  Relatively low PSAT scores are followed by larger average gains than are relatively high PSAT scores

 PSAT questions are designed to be the same type as those on the SAT.  The PSAT scale of 20 to 80 is comparable to the SAT scale of 200 to 800.  Estimated SAT score ranges are included on the student’s score report in My College QuickStart ◦ Two times out of three, students earn SAT scores within these ranges

 The SAT is a much longer test (3 hours and 45 minutes), compared to the PSAT (2 hours and 10 minutes) SAT SectionsPSAT Sections EssayNo essay 3 Critical Reading2 Critical Reading 3 Math2 Math 2 Writing Skills1 Writing Skills 1 ExperimentalNo Experimental Total: 10 sectionsTotal: 5 sections

 Rigorous academic courses  Extensive, quality outside reading and/or writing  Follow the advice in My SAT Study Plan in My College QuickStart  Take a practice test and become more familiar with test directions, types of questions, and pacing

Handout: A Parent Tutorial for Understanding 2014 PSAT/NMSQT Results 1. Your Scores 2. Your Skills 3. Your Answers 4. National Merit Scholarship Corporation Programs 5. Next Steps 6. Information about My College Quickstart and Access Code

My College QuickStart

 Eleventh-graders should register for the SAT and possibly SAT Subject tests this spring at  Another option to consider is the ACT test.  Study! SAT and SAT Subject Test Dates March 14 (SAT Only) May 2 June 6

 Take the PSAT in Fall 2015  Tenth-graders have the option to register for the current SAT in Fall 2015 or the redesigned SAT in Spring 2016  Current SAT is scored out of 2400 points  Redesigned SAT will be scored out of 1600 points, beginning in Spring 2016  Take challenging courses and keep reading

Erikka Goff Director Georgetown Learning Centers