How to Review the PSAT /NMSQT

1. How to Review the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test)/ (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)

2. Documents for Students • 1. Score Sheet • 2. Test Booklet

3. Review with students how the test is scored • PSAT/NMSQT scores are reported on a scale of 20 to 80 for each of the three areas. • In 2009, The average score for tenth graders was approximately: • 42 in Critical Reading (CR) • 43 in Mathematics (M) • 41 in Writing Skills (W) The average score for eleventh graders was approximately: • 47 in Critical Reading • 48 in Mathematics • 46 in Writing Skills

4. Selection Index • On your score report is also the Selection Index: • The Selection Index will determine eligibility in National Merit Scholarship Corporation programs (NMSC). • The Selection Index is the sum of the three scores in each test section (CR + M + W). The Selection Index ranges from 60 to 240. • The average Selection Index for students in eleventh grade is about 141. • Note: Only students in eleventh grade are eligible to enter NMSC scholarship programs.

5. National Merit Scholarship Programs • The National Achievement Scholarship Program is an academic competition established in 1964 to provide recognition for outstanding Black American high school students. • Black students may enter both the National Achievement Program and the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT)- • Semi-finalist and Finalist will be selected based on their Selection Index score listed on the score report. http://www.nationalmerit.org

6. National Percentiles • Finally, score reports include national percentiles. • These scores allow you to compare your scores with other students in your grade level (nationally) who have taken the PSAT/NMSQT. • If you take the PSAT/NMSQT in the eleventh grade, you receive junior percentiles. If you take the PSAT/NMSQT in tenth grade or younger, you will receive sophomore percentiles. • For example, a student in eleventh grade with a percentile of 55 has earned a score better than 55 percent of all eleventh graders. • Another way to understand percentiles is to imagine 100 students lined up from the lowest (or 1st) percentile at the end of the line to the highest (or 99th) percentile at the front of the line. If you are at the 55th percentile, you would be the 56th person in line, ahead of 55 people in the line and behind 44.

7. Additional sections on your score report • Ranges: • This section gives you another way to think about your scores. They show how much your scores would likely vary if you took the PSAT/NMSQT a number of times. • Review Your Answers: • This section contains the question number, correct answer, your answer, and level of difficulty for every question on the test. This is extremely valuable to you since you get your actual copy of the PSAT/NMSQT test booklet back when you receive your Score Report Plus.

8. One last section on your score report • ‘Improve Your Skills’- • This is the most valuable part of your Score Report Plus. • Here you will get personalized feedback on your academic skills, based on your test performance. • For each section of the test (Critical Reading, Math, and Writing Skills), you will be directed to two or three skills that need some improvement, as indicated by your answers to questions on the PSAT/NMSQT. • Under each skill that needs work, you'll be given suggestions for how to improve that particular skill. *The set of skills you will find on your Score Report Plus are unique to you.

9. My College QuickStart • All students who take the PSAT/NMSQT receive free access to My College QuickStart. • My College QuickStart is a personalized college planning tool that complements the Score Report Plus. The access code will be provided on your score report.

10. My College QuickStart Through My College QuickStart, students can access the following: • My Online Score Report—an enhanced score report that allows students to review each test question, their answers, and the correct answers with answer explanations. • My SAT Study Plan—a customized SAT study plan based on students' PSAT/NMSQT test performance, highlighting skills for review and practice. • My Personality—a detailed personality test that helps students learn about themselves and discover majors and careers that fit their strengths and interests . • My Major & Career Matches—extensive information about majors and careers, including insights about what to expect and what courses to take now. • My College Matches—a starter list of colleges based on students' home state and indicated choice of major. • My College QuickStart is can be utilized throughout high school. • Log in and take a tour of My College QuickStart. https://quickstart.collegeboard.com/posweb/login.jsp

11. Advanced Placement (AP) Potential • Once test scores come back: • Teachers, counselors, and administrators will review the scores and determine which students are eligible to perform in AP classes based on their PSAT scores. • According to past studies, generally, students who score in the 60 and 70th percentile on the PSAT will usually score within the 2, 3, or 4 range on the AP exam. Students who score in the 80th percentile on the PSAT will generally score a 5 on the AP exam. • Note: students must score at least a 3 or above on the AP exam to receive the college credit. http://raypalin.info/documents/psat_ap.pdf

12. Comparative Review of AP scores and PSAT scores

13. Questions or Comments