THE PSAT WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU? WHAT CAN YOU GAIN FROM IT?

1. THE PSAT WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU? WHAT CAN YOU GAIN FROM IT?

2. Why should YOU care about the PSAT? • This gives you first hand experience in taking a standardized test. • Taking the PSAT will also help you with dealing with strict time limits. • This helps you gauge how well you’ll do on the SAT and compare your skill level with other students nationwide. • According to recent studies, students who take the PSAT as a sophomore or junior score 233 points higher on their SAT.

3. Why should YOU care about the PSAT? • Helps you create a plan to succeed when taking the SAT. • You have the chance to qualify for scholarships and recognition programs such as the National Honor Society. • You can earn up to $2,500.00 dollars in scholarships. • Helps you figure out a possible career path based on what areas you are strong in.

4. What is on the PSAT? • Two 25 minute Critical Reading sections. • Two 25 minute Math sections- Able to use a calculator. • One 30 minute Writing Skills section. • The entire test lasts two hours and ten minutes. • While taking the test, it is more important to focus on the subject area as opposed to the time limits.

5. Critical reading • This section is broken down into parts which consist of “sentence completion” and “passage-based readings.” • There are 13 sentence completion questions in this section. • Tips: • Read the entire sentence to yourself • Be mindful of connecting words such as “but”, “not”, or “because.” • In sentences containing two blanks, make sure the answers make sense for both blanks. • Before marking your answer, read the complete sentence to yourself.

6. Critical reading • There are 35 “passage-based reading questions. • Tips: • Do not skip introductions to passages. • Read each passage and any related information. • Make notes for yourself but do not devote too much time to this. • Select the choice that best answers the question asked. Don’t select just because it is a true statement. • It could be beneficial to read through the questions first before reading the passage.

7. Critical reading • Example of Sentence Completion: • The practice of storytelling for entertainment and instruction was at one time so widespread that it was virtually ---- . (A) rigorous(B) universal(C) elevating(D) uncommon(E) unknown

8. math • There will be two 25-minute math sections which will total 38 questions. • One section will consist of 28 multiple-choice math questions. • The second section will consist of 10 student-produced responses. • Tips: • Look at the answer choices before you begin to work on each question. • Read each question carefully, don’t let the form of the questions keep you from answering it. • If you do not see your answer, try writing it in a different format.

9. math • Sample question for the multiple choice portion of the test: • If xy= 2 and xy2 = 8, what is the value of x ? (A)1/2(B) 2(C)4(D) 8(E) 16 (from the October 17, 1998 test)

10. Writing skills • Tips: • Read the entire sentence carefully but quickly. • Look at all the choices (A through D) to see whether anything needs to be changed. • Don’t waste time searching for errors in the sentences. (If you notice there are not errors, select answer E) • Choose the best answer from among the choices given, even if you can imagine another correct response.

11. Writing skills • Sample Question: • Gordon Parks is almost as skillful a writer as he is a director. • (A) almost as skillful a writer as he is a director(B) almost equally skilled, whether a writer or a director (C) of the same skill as a writer and as a director, almost (D) a skillful director, with almost as much skill in writing (E) skilled as a director and almost so skilled in writing

12. Test Preparation • Take multiple practice tests leading up to the test date. • When taking the practice tests, work on each section separately. Specifically block off individual times to take Critical Reading, Math, and Writing Skills. • You can find practice tests online. http://www.petersons.com/college-search/free-psat-practice-test.aspx • You can find a different sample question every day online. http://www.collegeboard.com

13. Test Preparation • Before the test date, learn the directions to each section. How could this benefit you? • Instead of using scratch paper, use your test book to work out answers. • Try educated guessing- Who can tell me what this means? • You’re better off leaving an answer blank as opposed to taking a uneducated guess for a question you don’t know the answer to.

14. Test Preparation • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c419m2xTaR4 • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj8iYar1xWY • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq7gcnwds1o

15. Important dates • The PSAT test dates are Wednesday October 17th and Saturday October 20thwhich you will take in school during the day. • On average, you will receive your test results approximately in a month or month and a half. (I’m not sure on this so any clarification would be appreciated.)

16. before the test • In your opinion, what are some things to do the night before the test? • What should you do the morning of the test?

17. before the test • Make sure to get a good nights sleep the night before. This will ensure that you are focused and not tired while taking the test. You don’t want this to be you. --------->>>> • It is imperative to eat a light dinner the night before and eat a light but filling breakfast. (I.E. Yogurt, Oatmeal, Cereal, Fruit)

18. THE BIG DAY • What to bring: • Two No. 2 pencils • An approved calculator • UCTECH school issued I.D. • Do not bring: • Any kind of alarm clock • Cell phone, Smart phone, Tablet, IPod, or Laptops (No one wants to hear your new ‘hot’ ringtone or cool notification sound while taking the test.) • Dictionaries or any other books • Food and beverages unless there is a medical reason why you need it. In this situation, we need a doctor’s note.

19. QUESTIONS?