Sophomore Parents: Why is the PSAT important?

1. Sophomore Parents:Why is the PSAT important? Parent Academy- Advanced Academics 2012

2. What is the PSAT? • PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. • It’s a test that measures the skills you’ve developed in reading, math and writing. • Typically, students take the test as juniors and sophomores, although some take it earlier. • The test is cosponsored by the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. www.collegeboard.com

3. Why is this award different from other awards and scholarships?

4. Additional Advantages • Scholarship opportunities. If you’re a junior, your score might qualify you for scholarships and recognition through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and the National Hispanic Recognition Program. Additionally, you might qualify for National Achievement® Scholarship Programhttp://www.nationalmerit.org/nasp.php#entryreq • SAT practice. The PSAT/NMSQT is great practice for the SAT. Both tests have the same types of questions, and taking the PSAT/NMSQT can help you get comfortable testing under timed conditions. • Feedback. The test gives you personalized feedback on your skill strengths and weaknesses so you have a better idea of what study areas you need to work on. • Even though only juniors can qualify for scholarships and academic recognition, taking the PSAT/NMSQT before your junior year is also useful. You’ll have more time to use the information you get after taking the test to boost your academic skills and start planning for college. www.collegeboard.com

5. What does the test look like? • The PSAT/NMSQT takes 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete. It is made up of five sections: • Two 25-minute critical reading sections • Two 25-minute math sections • One 30-minute writing-skills section • The critical reading sections include multiple-choice sentence completions and critical reading questions. The math sections include both multiple-choice questions and problem solving. For the writing-skills section, students answer multiple-choice questions related to identifying sentence errors, improving sentences and improving paragraphs. www.collegeboard.com

6. What does it take to quality for National Merit? 201 215 215 215 * *Note: These total numbers are from 2010 and are subject to change. Usually changes are no more that +1 or -1.

7. 201 • 215 • Commended • Semifinalists Finalists Merit Scholars • Top 2.4% • Top 1.2% www.collegeboard.com

8. PSAT/ SAT Total Prep Program Students may participate in two ways.

9. Why work to improve your score? • It is a one-time opportunity • What you learn will pay dividends • Most students take SAT in Nov/Dec of Junior Year • Colleges will court you • Vocabulary helps you in coursework • On-line component will teach you time management skills and practice with a scholastic on-line environment • On-line tools you can access long after the program is complete • Scholarship opportunities • Recognition for your achievements

10. PSAT-SAT Total Prep Program • Information Session February • PSAT Practice Test March • Quick Start Seminar March • Summer Preparation – June /July • PSAT Prep Course – 6-9,1 night a week for 7 weeks • Register for the SAT • Take the PSAT in October • SAT Prep Course – 1 night a week for 3 weeks • Take the SAT • Program Evaluation

11. Testing Preparation Timeline • Get the SAT score you need by the end of your Junior year • Take the SAT in November or December of your Junior year • If you don’t get the score you need, retake the test in May or June • DO NOT WAIT until the fall of your senior year!

12. Overview of Upcoming Tests