1. Erikka Goff Georgetown Learning Centers

2.  Answer frequently asked questions about the New PSAT  Interpret the score report  Explore resources to prepare for the New SAT

3.  To prepare for the SAT, which is one of the factors used by universities and colleges to determine who they accept.  PSAT scores are NOT for use by colleges as part of their admission criteria.  To qualify for the National Merit Scholarship program (11 th -graders only).

4.  More than 3.5 million students  Mostly juniors  Over 23,000 high schools  Albemarle County pays for all 10 th and 11 th graders to take the PSAT.

5.  The PSAT provides a standardized view of scholastic skills in the following areas: ◦ Evidence-Based Reading and Writing ◦ Mathematics  Helps compare student performance to other college-bound students nationwide  Helps students see if they are on the right track for college readiness

6.  Students receive one point for each correct answer  For incorrect answers or blank answers, zero points are deducted  The student’s score is reported on a scale of 160 to 760 for each section (Evidence-based Reading and Writing; Math)  Maximum total score of 1520

7.  The average score for eleventh graders was: ◦ 480 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing ◦ 489 in Math ◦ 969 total  The benchmarks for college readiness were: ◦ 390 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing ◦ 500 in Math

8.  PSAT questions are designed to be the same type as those on the SAT.  The PSAT scale of 320 to 1520 is comparable to the SAT scale of 400 to 1600.  Projected SAT score ranges are included in the student’s online score report.

10.  The SAT is a much longer test with essay (3 hours and 50 minutes), compared to the PSAT (2 hours and 45 minutes) SAT sectionsPSAT sections Reading: 65 min.Reading: 60 min. Writing & Language: 35 min.Writing & Lang: 35 min. Math no calculator: 25 min. Math with calculator: 55 min.Math with calculator: 45 min. Essay (optional): 50 min.No essay Total: 3 hr 50 min.Total: 2 hr 45 min.

11.  Rigorous academic courses  Extensive, quality outside reading and/or writing  Using the free College Board and Khan Academy resources online  Take a practice test and become more familiar with test directions, types of questions, and pacing

12.  Total score (320 to 1520)  Section scores (160 to 760)  Test Scores (8 to 38 range)  Cross-Test Scores (8 to 38 range)  Subscores (1 to 15 range)

15.  National Merit Scholarship  Your scores: Next Steps

16.  Correct Answer  Difficulty Level  Subscore/Cross- Test Categories  See the questions and answer explanations online

17.  CollegeBoard has partnered with Khan Academy to offer personalized practice  Go to satpractice.org on your phone or computer to link your accounts

18.  11 th graders should register for the SAT and possibly SAT Subject Tests this spring at www.collegeboard.org www.collegeboard.org  Another option to consider is the ACT test SAT and SAT Subject Test Dates 2015-2016 March 5 (SAT Only) May 7 June 4

19.  Study! ◦ Private Prep is great for students who have unbalanced scores, or for students who have scores in the highest (>90%) or lowest (<40%) percentiles. ◦ Class Prep is great for students with even scores but could use some general improvement and instruction. ◦ Taking practice tests and timed self-study is great for students who didn’t have problems with content, but struggled with timing and stamina.

20. Erikka Goff Director Georgetown Learning Centers 434-296-5111 erikka.goff@glclearn.com