1. PSAT 2015 You should take it

2. What is the PSAT? Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test Basically a practice SAT Detailed scores to help you prepare for the SAT and ACT Testing during school allows you to develop comfort in the testing environment

3. Who takes the PSAT? 9 th and 10 th Graders Detailed scores Know your weaknesses before your junior year Determine if the PSAT prep class is right for you 11 th Graders Detailed scores Know your weaknesses before the SAT NMSQT – more on that later

4. NMSQT National Merit Semi-Finalist Qualifying Test PSAT is used to determine eligibility Only for Juniors Goal – 98 th percentile in your state Huge scholarship opportunity Most (over 90%) of semi-finalists become finalists

5. PSAT Prep Class You MUST take the PSAT if you are considering the class. The class is offered second semester of your 10 th grade year and first semester of your 11 th grade year After the October test, you prep for the ACT Average growth of students not in PSAT class was 6.65 points Average growth of students IN the PSAT class was 20.97 points

6. SAT Changes SAT changes in March of 2016 2015 PSAT will reflect those changes Words in context No calculator and calculator portions of math No penalty for guessing 2 hours, 45 minutes

7. PSAT Sections Language Reading: 60 mins, 46 questions Writing: 35 mins, 44 questions Math No Calculator: 25 mins, 17 questions Calculator Active: 45 mins, 31 questions Expect “grid-ins” in both sections of math

8. How to Prepare Khan Academy PSAT or SAT Prep Book College Board website

9. Details Wednesday, October 14 th at 8am $17 – Turn in form and payment to English teacher Plan to be at school by 7:45 that day You will be provided with a calculator (but it is nice to have your own) Unlike the ACT, you may use TI-Nspire CAS (though those will only be provided to the juniors)