PSAT Score Interpretation October 2009 Test Results Assembly December 2009

1. PSAT Score Interpretation October 2009 TestResults AssemblyDecember 2009

2. PSAT/NMSQT • Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test • It provides 1st hand practice for the SAT • Gives the students the opportunity to “experience” a Saturday morning test • Chance to qualify for NMSC scholarship programs (Juniors Only)

3. REASONS FOR TAKING • Students receive information on their academic strengths/weaknesses • Can serve as an indicator of the students readiness of college level work • Comparison to others applying to college • Enter competition for scholarships • Prepare for SAT Exams • Receive information from Colleges

4. HOW THE TEST IS SCORED • For correct answers students received 1 full point • For each unanswered question students received 0points • For each incorrect answer to multiple choice test questions students lose 1/4of a point • The points earned in each section are converted to scores on the PSAT/NMSQT scale of 20-80

5. WHAT IS ON THE SCORE REPORT • Three different scores on the 20-80 scale one each for critical reading, math, & writing (add all three scores together to get your selection index) • Percentiles allow the students to compare their scores with those of others applying to college (Juniors are compared to other juniors, sophomores and younger are compared to other sophomores) • E.g. A student with a percentile of 56 has earned a score better than 56 out of every 100 college bound students who took the test • Information on where you need improvement & how to improve your scores

6. PSAT COMPARED TO SAT • To convert a PSAT score to an SAT score, simply add a ZERO to the PSAT score • The SAT is on a 200-800 scale compared to the 20-80 scale of the PSAT • E.g. A PSAT score of 52 is similar to an SAT score of 520 • Add all three scores together after adding a ZERO to the end to get a similar complete SAT score

7. Sample Score Report & Website Explanations • http://professionals.collegeboard.com/profdownload/sample-psat-nmsqt-student-score-report.pdf • http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/quickstart.html Enter your student specific code located on your PSAT/NMSQT® paper score report

8. Next Steps • Study and do well in your classes – Earn mostly A’s & B’s • Practice for the SAT’s – use the online SAT Prep course www.bridges.com Site ID: 0047131 PW: eagles • Take the SAT’s in the Spring of your Junior Year (they may be taken multiple times (we encourage you to do this as well as in the first part of your senior year) • Most Colleges will take your highest combined score (they do not have to be on the same test date, you may mix and match) Some colleges may require SAT Subject tests as well – be sure to check when you do your research • Research and Visit Colleges – Spring/Summer of junior year • Continue to work on yourgraduation project: (www.careercruising.com) UN: cocalicohs PW: ealge • Apply to college prior to Thanksgiving Break of your Senior year • Request your transcriptbe sent to the colleges to which you are applying utilizing the proper forms in the counseling office (see Mrs. Powell or Mrs. Lescoe)

9. The End! Are There Any Questions ?