1. Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results The PSAT/NMSQT is cosponsored by the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

2. 2Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 11/04 Your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report

3. 3Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 11/04 PSAT/NMSQT Score Report Each section— Critical Reading, Math and Writing Skills—is color-coded

4. 4Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 11/04 Your Scores Ranges 46........... 50........... 54

5. 5Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 11/04 Percentiles If you are a junior, you are compared to other juniors. If you are a sophomore, or younger, you are compared to sophomores.

6. 6Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 11/04 Percentiles 1........... 55........... 100 higher than 54 juniors lower than 45 juniors

7. 7Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 11/04 What SAT Ranges Can You Expect? The quick way to estimate your SAT score is to add a “0” to your PSAT/NMSQT score. PSAT/NMSQT Critical Reading Score: 50 Estimated SAT Critical Reading Score: 500

8. 8Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 11/04 Review Your Answers Question number Correct Answer Your Answer Level of Difficulty You will get your test book with your score report, so you can review the questions you got wrong. Free explanations for the answer to every test question at collegeboard.com/psatextra

9. 9Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 11/04 Review Your Answers: Math Also shows the math content area of each question: Alg = Algebra & Functions Data = Data Analysis, Statistics & Probability Geom = Geometry & Measurement Num = Number & Operations

10. 10Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 11/04 Review Your Answers: Math Student- Produced Response

11. 11Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 11/04 Answer Summary & Scoring Correct answer = plus 1 point Omitted answers = no points Wrong answers to multiple- choice questions = minus ¼ point. (To discourage students from blind or random guessing.) Wrong answers to math questions 29-38 (Student Produced Responses) = No points lost.

12. 12Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 11/04 Improve Your Skills The skills listed are based on your individual performance. Follow the suggestions to improve in each area.

13. 13Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 11/04 National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) Programs Selection Index Percentile Entry Requirements

14. 14Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 11/04 Your Educational Plans Based on the college major you provided on the answer sheet, this section will give you: Description of what college students learn and do with that major. Associated skills Recommended high school courses Other majors to consider Associated careers

15. 15Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 11/04 After You Receive Your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report Review your answers using the test booklet

16. 16Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 11/04 After You Receive Your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report: Go to collegeboard.com/ psatextra for free explanations for the answers to every test question, including why wrong answers were wrong. (You’ll need the code on the upper right corner of your score report.)

17. 17Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 11/04 After You Receive Your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report: Follow the suggestions for how to improve in the Improve Your Skills section

18. 18Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 11/04 After You Receive Your Score Report: Review the SAT Practice Essay and SAT Math Practice Questions on the back of your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report Go to collegeboard.com/ psatextra for: Answers and explanations for these higher level-math questions Essay directions, official scoring guide, and samples of student-written essays

19. 19Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 11/04 Putting Admissions Tests into Context What do colleges look for? Make yourself invaluable! Do your best on tests, prepare!

20. 20Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 11/04 How to prepare for the SAT Review your PSAT results Continue to take challenging classes

21. 21Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 11/04 How to Prepare for the SAT (cont’d) Consider SAT prep options-which is best for you? Our guests…

22. 22Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 11/04 How to prepare for the SAT (cont’d) To access free on-line tests, follow these steps: www.learningcommons.org Click on “Students” section Click “College&Career Planning” Click “ECOS” Click “ECOS: Get started” Click “Students” Then create an account using member code 7776503355 You will be asked to register account/password

23. 23Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 11/04 Thank you for attending Hale’s PSAT info night! Contact info: Jeff Jones jajones@seattleschools.org or 252-3689 jajones@seattleschools.org Cathy Hagood, College/Career counselor chagood@seattleschools.org or 252-3767 chagood@seattleschools.org SAT/PSAT collegeboard.com ACT act.org