GETTING READY for the PSAT

WHAT IS THE PSAT?????  Although the “P” really stands for “preliminary”…… think of this as a PRACTICE SAT……  The test measures the reading, writing, language and math skills that you have developed over your years in school.  The test measures reasoning and critical thinking skills.  The structure and questions on the PSAT will mirror what you see on the SAT this coming spring.

So what is the NMSQT part?????  For juniors, PSAT scores are the entry point for the National Merit Scholarship Program. This is a highly competitive, nation-wide scholarship program.  Only junior year scores are considered for the National Merit Scholarship program. If you take the PSAT as a sophomore, no matter how well you do, you would need to take the PSAT again as a junior to qualify for this program.  Much more information is in the PSAT/NMSQT booklet.

The PSAT has been redesigned for this fall, to mirror the changes to the SAT that you will see in the spring. If you took the PSAT last year, expect to see a very different test.

SECTIONS on the PSAT  Evidence-Based Reading and Writing  Reading  Writing and Language  Math

EVIDENCE-BASED READING & WRITING READING  Multiple-choice questions  Choose answers on what is stated or implied  Passages based on literature, history/social studies, science  Passages may contain graphs, charts, informational graphics  Many questions will focus on determining the meaning of WORDS IN CONTEXT. No more obscure words!!  COMMAND OF EVIDENCE – demonstrate ability to interpret, synthesize and use evidence found in a wide range of sources. Use the passages and graphics provided to determine answer.

EVIDENCE-BASED READING & WRITING WRITING & LANGUAGE TEST  Will also focus on COMMAND OF EVIDENCE.  Analyze sequences of sentences or paragraphs to make sure they are logical.  Interpret graphs and edit portion of accompanying passage so it clearly and accurately conveys the information in the graphic.  There is NO actual writing component on the PSAT.  The Essay on the redesigned SAT will be OPTIONAL.

MATH Two sections – one with calculator, one without Primarily multiple-choice questions, but also some “student-produced responses” or “grid-ins”  PROBLEM-SOLVING & DATA ANALYSIS  Ratios, percentages and proportional reasoning  HEART of ALGEBRA  Linear equations and systems  PASSPORT to ADVANCED MATH  Quadratic equations  Manipulation of more complex expressions and functions  ADDITIONAL TOPICS  Geometry  Trigonometry

A FEW MORE THINGS TO KNOW……  “RIGHT ONLY” SCORING  A point for a correct answer, but no deduction for incorrect answers  Blank responses have no impact on your score  In other words….no penalty for guessing  PROBLEMS GROUNDED IN “REAL-WORLD” CONTEXTS  Throughout the test there will be questions directly related to careers and the world of work  Questions from science, social studies will be seen throughout the test  Apply reading, writing and math skills to questions related to these areas  SCORING WILL BE ON A SCALE SIMILAR TO THAT OF THE REDESIGNED SAT  Will include sub-scores for areas mentioned as well as cross-scores for social studies and science

HOW TO PREPARE….  Read through the Student Guide to the PSAT/NMSQT  Pay particular attention to the test-taking advice and tips  Take the Practice Test  Allows you to practice the timing and become familiar with the directions  Can score your practice test, and highlight areas to work on  Visit Khan Academy  Khan Academy is on on-line program that has teamed with the College Board to provide practice on all the components of the SAT/PSAT  www/khanacademy.org/sat

PSAT TEST DAY – WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14  MUST SIGN-UP --- only students who sign-up will be allowed to take the PSAT SIGN-UP in the Counseling Office NO LATER THAN 2:30 p.m. MONDAY, SEPT. 21 st MONDAY, SEPT. 21 st  Cost is $15, fee due when you sign-up