1. The PSAT (and why it’s important to YOU!) Or, everything you wanted to know about standardized testing but were afraid to ask.

2. What is the PSAT? It’s really called the PSAT/NMSQT because it’s TWO TESTS IN ONE! It’s the Preliminary SAT, designed to help students practice the PSAT and identify strengths and weaknesses. It’s also the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which helps select students for the prestigious National Merit Scholarships. By taking it you also gain access to College Board information and college planning help. You get all this for only the low, low price of $13!

3. What does the PSAT measure? Critical Reading Skills Math Problem-Solving Skills Writing Skills General Academic Studliness The PSAT gives you some measure how well you’ve developed the skills you need to be successful at college.

4. What is the test like? The PSAT has 5 sections Two 25-minute critical reading sections Two 25-minute math sections One 30-minute writing section The total testing time is 2 hours and ten minutes of sheer, unadulterated fun!

5. Could you be more specific? The two critical reading sections have a total of 48 questions, including 13 sentence completions 35 critical reading questions The two math sections have a total of 38 questions, including 28 multiple choice questions 10 student response or ‘grid in’ questions The writing skills section has a total of 39 questions, including 14 identifying sentence errors 20 improving sentences 5 improving paragraph questions

6. This sounds like fun! How do I sign up? The PSAT will be given at CDO on Saturday, October 15. You must pay for it at the bookstore. Watch the announcements for information about signing up. The cost is only $14. For more information, see http://www.collegeboard.com/s tudent/testing/psat/about.html About the scores: PSAT/NMSQT scores are reported on a scale of 20 to 80. In 2009, the average score for eleventh graders was about 47 in Critical Reading, 48 in Mathematics, and 46 in Writing Skills. The average score for tenth graders was about 42 in Critical Reading, 43 in Mathematics, and 41 in Writing Skills.

7. The delightful Canyon del Oro Library has a plethora of useful PSAT preparation books. Take this test seriously. Doing well on it will increase your chances of scholarships and getting accepted to competitive colleges.

8. These happy multi-cultural teens took the PSAT. Will you?