prepare for the psat/nmsqt - chesterfield county public...

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Prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT®: A Step to the Future

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A Brief Overview of the Presentation

What is the PSAT/NMSQT?

Skills Tested on the PSAT/NMSQT

Test Preparation Strategies

Score Reports

Notify students and parents about the PSAT/NMSQT ®:

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What is the PSAT/NMSQT?

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What is the PSAT/NMSQT®?

Propels students toward college and career readiness.

Measures academic skills you’ll need for college

Co-sponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation

Serves as an entry point to National Merit Scholarship Corporation competitions

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Benefits of the PSAT/NMSQT®

Preview and practice for the SAT®

Feedback on academic skills

Get matched to AP courses you should take

Admissions and financial aid information from colleges

Get money for college

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Get Money for College Say “Yes” to Student Search Service™ when you take

either the PSAT/NMSQT and make it easy for colleges and scholarship programs to find you. Millions of dollars are available.

By taking the PSAT/NMSQT, juniors are automatically screened for the National Merit® Scholarship Program

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What Skills are Tested on the PSAT/NMSQT?

The test assesses the academic skills that you’ve developed over the years, primarily through your course work.

These skills are considered essential for success in high school and college: Evidenced- Based Reading and Writing Mathematics

© 2014 The College Board

About the Redesigned PSAT/NMSQT

2 SECTIONS: 2 SECTIONS:

2 Hours 45 Minutes*


Comparison of Current P/N and Redesigned P/N

Scale ranging from 60 to 240 Scaling ranging from 20 to 80 for Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing

Some scores will be reported on the same scale used for the SAT: this scale ranges from 400 to 1600 for the composite score, 200-800 for two area scores, and 10-40 for test scores.

Scoring

Insight Scores

None Subscores for every test, providing added insight for students, parents, educators, and counselors

Current PSAT/NMSQT Redesigned PSAT/NMSQT


Connection to the New SAT in March 2016

The redesigned PSAT/NMSQT will mirror the knowledge and skill areas tested by the new SAT.

The key changes of the redesigned PSAT/NMSQT are:

Students will need to:

Interpret meaning based on context Master relevant vocabulary Engage in close reading

Key Changes to the PSAT/NMSQT

Redesigned PSAT/NMSQT Sample Item: Relevant Words in Context (Reading Test)

Students will be asked to:

Interpret, synthesize, and use evidence found in a wide range of sources Support the answers they choose Integrate information conveyed through both reading passages and informational graphics


Current research shows that three key areas most contribute to readiness for college and career training:

Problem Solving and Data Analysis (quantitative literacy) Heart of Algebra (mastery of linear equations) Passport to Advanced Math (familiarity with more complex equations)


The Math test includes a portion that allows the use of a calculator and a portion that does not. »»Total questions: 48 »»40 multiple-choice questions »»8 student-produced response questions »»Time allotted for Math – No Calculator: 25 minutes (17 questions) »»Time allotted for Math – Calculator: 45 minutes (31 questions)

PSAT/NMSQT Math Test Overview

Students will engage with questions that:

Directly relate to the work performed in college and career Include charts, graphs, and passages likely to be encountered in science, social science, and other majors and careers Feature multistep applications to solve problems in science, social science, career scenarios, and other real-life contexts


Students will apply their reading, writing, language, and math skills to answer questions in science, history, and social studies contexts.


The redesigned SAT will include one of the following:

An excerpt from one of the Founding Documents A text from the ongoing Great Global Conversation about freedom, justice, and human dignity

No prior knowledge of the text will be required.


One point for each correct answer

Zero points for unanswered items Zero points for wrong answers


Test Comparison

New PSAT/NMSQT New SAT

Test dates

October 14, 2015 October 28, 2015 (Alternate)

First Administration: March 5, 2016

Time 2 hrs and 45 minutes 3 hours (50 minutes for

optional essay)

Sections ► Evidence-Based Reading and Writing ► Math

► Evidence-Based Reading and Writing

► Math Total Scores with

Scale Ranges (Rights-Only

Scoring) 320-1520 400-1600

Tests ► Reading ► Writing and Language ► Math

► Reading ► Writing and Language ► Math

Essay N/A Essay (Optional) Recommended

Classes Classes of 2017-2018 Class of 2017


Scores and Subscores

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Vertical Scale Messaging

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Test Preparation Strategies

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Test Preparation: Long-Term

READ! Continuous reading improves vocabulary and develops

essential skills.

Read passages carefully!

Take Challenging Courses! This will help you to develop and strengthen your critical

thinking skills.

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Test Preparation: Short-Term Take a practice test at

psat.org. Practice on Khan Academy Familiarize yourself with the

test’s format, questions types, and directions. o It’s okay to guess. You

won’t lose any points if you’re wrong.

o Learn how to enter your answers on math grid-ins.

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Student-Produced Responses – Sample Grids

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Tips for Calculator and Non-Calculator Sections • Bring your own calculator. You can’t

share one. • Don’t bring a brand-new calculator.

Bring one you know. • Practice for the test using the same

calculator you’ll use on test day. • Decide how to solve a problem,

then decide if you need your calculator. This might surprise you, but calculators don’t always save time. In fact, the Math Test includes some questions where it’s faster not to use a calculator, even though you’re allowed to.

Official SAT® Practice Through Khan Academy®

collegereadiness.collegeboard.org

For More Information on the New SAT