1. Introduction to the PSAT/NMSQT and the SAT
Roger D. Demaree 23 October 2017

2. Outline College readiness tests SAT scoring
Typical SAT scores for colleges of interest
SAT v. ACT
Resources for preparation
Sample questions
reading
writing
math
Math tricks
Your questions . . .

3. Standardized college readiness tests
SAT or ACT
PSAT/NMSQT
Similar to SAT but shorter and less advanced
Qualify for scholarships
Howard County does well with National Merit scholars
PSAT 8/9
Less advanced than the PSAT
All have practice tests online at Khan Academy

4. How is the SAT scored?
Multiple choice, math also has “grid in” (four characters), plus optional essay
No penalty for wrong answers.
Math questions are sorted from easy to hard, but all questions have equal value.
Reading, writing, and math are separately curved
Middle score about 500
Top 16% scores at least 600
Top 2.5% scores at least 700
Top 0.15% gets an 800

5. Scoring 200 to 800 in each area (600 to 2400 total) National average:
495 in Reading, 484 in writing
511 in Math
Maryland average:
491 in Reading, 478 in writing
493 in Math
Howard County average:
548 in Reading, 543 in writing
565 in Math

6. What score does your child need? (out of 1600: Reading plus Math)
Towson University
UMBC
UMCP
Cornell University
Johns Hopkins
Duke
Harvard
Caltech

7. SAT or ACT SAT: ACT: Reading, 52 questions in 65 minutes
Writing, 44 questions in 35 minutes
Math (non-calculator and calculator), 58 questions in 80 minutes
Essay, 50 minutes (optional)
ACT:
Reading, 40 questions in 35 minutes
English, 75 questions in 45 minutes
Math, 60 questions in 60 minutes
Science, 40 questions in 35 minutes

8. Resources The best preparation for the PSAT and SAT is learning
Read
Write
Use math
Consider preparing for the 11th grade PSAT
Summer before the PSAT
Consider preparing for the SAT in 11th grade

9. Resources Practice books https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat
“The Official SAT Study Guide 2018”
“8 Practice Tests for the SAT 2018” (Kaplan)
“Barron's SAT”, and others
Prep courses and tutoring

10. Reading content
Four single reading passages, plus one pair of passages
One U.S. or world literature
One social science
One U.S. founding document or global equivalent
Two science
Difficulty grade 9 to early college
Question types:
Information and ideas – what did the author say
Rhetoric – questions on word choice, structure, purpose, point of view, and style
Synthesis – compare and contrast passages, or draw conclusions from informational graphics

11. Sample reading section

12. Content is predictable

13. Writing content Four passages, 11 questions each: Writing mode:
Career
Humanities
History or social studies
Science
Writing mode:
Narrative
Informative or explanatory
Argument
Either informative or argument
Questions cover
Expression of ideas
Standard English, and words in context
Command of evidence, and analysis

14. Sample writing section

15. Content is predictable

16. Math content “Heart of algebra” “Problem solving and data analysis”
Interpreting and solving linear equations and inequalities
Includes equations, tables, and graphs
Heavy emphasis on systems of equations and inequalities
“Problem solving and data analysis”
Ratios, proportions, tables/charts
probability
“Passport to advanced math”
Equivalent algebraic expressions
Creating, solving, and graphing exponential, quadratic and other nonlinear equations
“Additional topics in math”
Area and volume
Geometry: lines, angles, triangles, and circles

17. Sample math section

18. Content is predictable

19. Content is predictable

20. Math trick 1 – use the calculator

21. Math trick 2 – make up numbers

22. Questions?