Preparing for the PSAT & More Junior Classroom Presentation

1. Preparing for the PSAT & More Junior Classroom Presentation • October 2010

2. What is the PSAT/NMSQT? • 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 and practice for the SAT • Taken by more than 3.5 million students in 2008 (45% eleventh-graders and 55% tenth-graders or younger)

3. Benefits of the PSAT/NMSQT • Preparation for the SAT® • Scholarship and recognition opportunities (11th grade) • College and career planning tools • Admissions and financial aid information from colleges • Feedback on academic skills

4. 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: • Critical Reading • Mathematics • Writing Skills

5. How does the PSAT/NMSQT compare to the SAT? • Question Types: • The same, except the PSAT/NMSQT does not have an essay component. • Length: • The PSAT/NMSQT is 2 hours, 10 minutes. • The SAT is 3 hours, 45 minutes. • Level of Difficulty: • The PSAT/NMSQT does not have 11th grade-level math questions.

6. How is the PSAT/NMSQT Scored? • Scale: • 20-80 for each test section • Averages: • 11th Graders: 47-50 • 10th Graders: 43-46 • Younger Students: 38-42

7. Test Preparation: Short-Term • Take the practice test in the Official Student Guide to the PSAT/NMSQT. • Understand scoring and “educated guessing.” • Familiarize yourself with the test’s format, questions types, and directions.

8. Test Preparation: Test Readiness Strategies • When you sit down to take the test: • Read all of the directions. • Read all of each question’s answer choices. • Do scratch work in the test book. • Work at a steady pace. • If you skip a question: • Note it in the test book. • Leave it blank on the answer sheet. • Return to it if there is time. • Remember: you don’t have to answer every question to score well.

9. To learn more, visit www.collegeboard.com.

10. DO YOU KNOW HOW THE ACT & SAT COMPARE? KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!!! www.collegeboard.com www.act.org

11. What do you know about? • NCAA eligibility • ASVAB testing • VA Wizard

12. NCAA Eligibility Center • The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Eligibility Center will certify the academic and amateur credentials of all college bound student-athletes who wish to compete in NCAA Division I or II athletics. • At the beginning of your junior year, complete your registration at www.eligibilitycenter.org • Your account will be eligible for processing once the fee of $60 has been paid.

13. ASVAB(Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) • The ASVAB is a timed multi-aptitude test. These tests will give you an idea of how you’ll score, and identify areas that need improvement. • Your scores will determine how qualified you are for certain military occupational specialties and Enlistment Bonuses. • ASVAB TEST October 21st@ 9:00 am • Sign up in the School Counseling office

14. WEBSITES to keep in favorites • www.henrico.k12.va.us/hs/varina/counseling • www.collegeboard.com • www.act.org • www.vawizard.org • www.ncaapublications.com • www.eligibilitycenter.org/ECWR2/NCAA_EMS/NCAA.html • www.Dynamitesports.com

15. QUESTIONS??? SEE YOUR SCHOOL COUNSELOR FOR MORE INFORMATION