PSAT What Do My Scores Mean? How Did I Do?

What Is the PSAT? zThe PSAT is a test that helps compare your skills to other college bound students nationwide. zIt shows reading, math, and writing skills that you may still need to work on to prepare for college success.

We’ll Talk About: zHow is the PSAT scored? zWhat is National Merit? zWhat about Honors/AP? zHow does it compare to SAT? zWhen do I take the SAT? zHow can I improve my score? zWhat else is important?

How is it Scored? THREE SECTIONS: Critical Reading20-80 Math20-80 Writing Skills20-80

Range and Percentile z Range: If you retake the PSAT, your score is likely to fall in this range. zLook at your percentile to see how your score compares to all tenth- graders who took the test. zAverage scores for sophomores: Reading 42.6 Math 43.5 Writing 40.8

PSAT and SAT zThe PSAT is a practice for SAT. zIt is given once a year in October. zIt is aimed at students in grade 11. zThe PSAT can be used to estimate your SAT SCORE.

How To Predict SAT Score? READING, MATH, WRITING zPSAT Score for Each Between: zSAT Score is between: zWhat SAT Score Can You Expect? zAdd a 0 to convert to SAT.

Honors and AP Classes zYour score can be used to predict success in Honors and Advanced Placement classes. zColleges will look carefully at your course selection as well as GPA.

National Merit Scholarship Selection Index = Critical Reading + Math + Writing Skills You can only qualify as a junior.

How Is the PSAT Scored? zOne point for each correct answer zMinus 1/4 point for each wrong answer zThen raw score is converted to a score from 20 to 80

Critical Reading Two 25 minute sections = 48 questions z13 Sentence Completions z35 Passage Based Reading

Math Two 25 minute sections = 38 questions zNumbers and Operation zAlgebra and Functions zGeometry and Measurement zData Analysis, Statistics, Probability z10 Student Produced Responses

Writing One 30-minute Section = 39 questions z20 Improving Sentences z14 Identifying Sentence Errors z5 Improving Paragraphs

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS! zHow many did you answer correctly: easy, hard, medium? zDid you omit hard questions when you couldn’t eliminate any choices? zDid you lose points for guessing? zFollow the suggestions to identify skills you need to improve for each section.

Your Educational Plans zRead the description of your career choice. zStart thinking about college and major information. zBegin to research your options. zIs your goal realistic? zIs it in line with your courses?

MY COLLEGE QUICK START zSee questions with answers and explanations. zGet a personalized study plan. zAccess to MyRoad--Find colleges, majors and careers right for you.

What about the SAT? zLots of college info/sample test zSat is given 7 times a year. zSign up on-line or mail in. zTake in spring of junior year. zRepeat senior year to improve.

What is the ACT? zThe ACT HAS 4 Sections: zREADING, MATH, ENGLISH AND SCIENCE REASONING zThe ACT is scored from zIt’s good to try both SAT and ACT. Some students do better on ACT. zColleges will use SAT or ACT. zCan use SAT/ACT for FCAT.

Test Strategies PREPARE!!! zBe familiar with the directions and format before the test. zStudy sample test book or online. zPace yourself. zSkip hard questions and come back later. zOmit hard questions if you have no clue.

Learn About Yourself! zWhat are your interests? zWhat are you good at? zWhat about a Vocational/Technical Program?

Bright Futures Scholarships zPays 75% or 100% tuition. z3.0 minimum Academic GPA. Go to FACTS.org. zAll who qualify get the $$$. zConsider Vocational Program for Gold Seal Scholarship. zNeed SAT, ACT, OR CPT.

What Else Do I Need To Do? zTake challenging courses, including formal geometry and algebra II. zLearn good study habits. zLearn to organize your work and your time. zPractice self-discipline. zRead, read, read. zRetake PSAT next year! zMeet with your counselor.

Don’t Worry, Be Happy! BUT DON’T FORGET: zParticipate in extracurricular activities. zGet involved in service to school and community. zMake friends. zAsk for help.

Any Questions??