1. An Overview of the PSAT and Next Steps for Success
RUSD COLLEGE WEEK 2018
An Overview of the PSAT and
Next Steps for Success

2. The Preliminary SAT, also known as the PSAT (PSAT/NMSQT - National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test for 11th grade), is a preparatory version of the SAT exam that assesses students’ reading, writing, and math skills.
Students can only take the PSAT once per year. If students earn a high score on the PSAT their junior year, they could qualify to receive a National Merit Scholarship—$180 million dollars in merit scholarships are awarded to students each year!
What is the PSAT?
RUSD is offering the PSAT to all 7th-11th grade students to help build a District-wide college-going culture, and to provide students with a glimpse at their overall strengths and weaknesses in topics necessary for college success.

3. What is the PSAT? The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) -
Helps students start planning a path to college
Exposes students to the different kinds of questions commonly found on higher-stakes tests in the years to come
Provides opportunities for students to glimpse one’s college readiness, including their strengths and weaknesses
Provides 10th/11th grade students specific practice for the SAT
Connects students to free, personalized SAT-preparation from Khan Academy
Connects students to potential colleges and scholarship opportunities

4. Why does the PSAT matter?
The PSAT is highly relevant to students’ future success because it focuses on the skills and knowledge at the heart of education.
The PSAT measures:
What you learn in high school
What you need to succeed in college
The best way to prepare for the PSAT each year is to:
Take challenging courses
Do your homework
Prepare for tests and quizzes
Ask and answer lots of questions
Why does the PSAT matter?
Students who take the PSAT multiple times tend to score higher on the actual SAT, which is the entrance exam many colleges and universities use to help make their college admission decisions.

5. So, if you want to go to college...
What multiple measures do colleges use?
GRADES
TEST SCORES
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
RECOMMENDATIONS
So, if you want to go to college...
Colleges use multiple measures to find the students that are the “best fit” for their school, and to determine which students will have the best chance at success.

6. Multiple Measures Grades Test Scores Extracurricular Activities
GPA
Class Rank
Test Scores
SAT
ACT
Extracurricular Activities
Clubs
Community Service
Sports
Enrichment
Recommendations
Variety

7. Know Where You Stand Review your transcripts Check course grades
Check test scores
Monitor graduation status completion
Look at the bottom for your current GPA and Rank

8. So, if you want to go to college...
Start your research early
Online
College Visits
Career Center College Visits
Attend Career Fairs
So, if you want to go to college...
UCs, CSUs, Privates, and Out-of-State Colleges all have different entrance requirements regarding grades, test scores, and courses.
RUSD College and Career Fair
Wednesday, October 10th
Redlands High School - Terrier Gym
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

9. Use College Board’s - BigFuture
Find colleges by doing College Search or search by College Name
Click on Applying
Click the SAT & ACT Scores Tab
Scroll down to view SAT Mid- Range Test Scores

10. How do you create a College Board Account?
Why is it important to have a College Board Account?
Access to PSAT/SAT and AP Scores
Free personalized SAT- preparation through Khan Academy
Ease of sending test scores to colleges
Register for exams and print exam admission tickets
Manage personal college list
Save scholarship searches
Compare college costs and programs
How do you create a College Board Account?
The College Board is an organization that connects students to college success and opportunity.
Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success — including the SAT and the Advanced Placement Program.

11. Your College Board Account
Go to
Sign in or Sign up

12. Sign Up Instructions…
Sign Up if you have never created a College Board account. Fill in all blanks correctly.

13. Creating a College Board Log In
Create a Username and Password
Suggested -
Username: State Student ID
(ex )
Password: First Name, First 3 of
Last Name, .First 5 SSID
(ex. stephanieloc.12345)

14. Pair your College Board Account to Khan Academy!
Step 1
Visit satpractice.org and create a Khan Academy account.
Step 2
When prompted, agree to link your Khan Academy and College Board accounts. You will then be directed to collegeboard.org.
Step 3
Sign in or create a College Board account.
Step 4
When prompted, hit “Send” to authorize the account linking.
Step 5
Start practicing on Official SAT® Practice on Khan Academy!

15. Other uses for your College Board account?
Explore Colleges & Careers with BigFutures (ACCESS)
View AP Potential…Scores… AP credit policies
Register for the SAT (junior year)

16. Not yet sure about your college and career plan?
College Board and Khan Academy is still a great tool
Improving your reading, writing, and math skills will still help with high school
The better your reading, writing, and math skills, the better your potential and success at work, a trade school, community college, 4-year university, and LIFE!

17. Looking Forward
Give the PSAT your best effort - now and in future years
Focus on opportunities - in and out of the classroom
Every semester counts - starting NOW
Keep an eye on your grades…ask for help when needed… turn in your work ON TIME.. and study!
Volunteer
Join a club and hold a leadership position
Form meaningful relationships with teachers, coaches, and/or supervisors - these are future recommendations
Look for enrichment opportunities (ex. summer camps)
PRACTICE FOR THE SAT
Use your resources

18. RUSD Resources
Visit the Career Center - explore your career interests and take advantage of college visits/information
Explore school site websites
Visit
This PowerPoint is posted under PSAT/SAT testing
Dr. Stephanie Lock
Coordinator of College, Career, and Special Programs
Website:
Phone: extension 20305