PSAT Orientation

PSAT Orientation

-What is the PSAT? -All about National Merit Scholarship -General Strategies

What is the PSAT?

The PSAT is a standardized test given primarily to high school juniors to give them a "preliminary" idea of how well they could do on SAT question types. The test is also used to determine which students are eligible for National Merit Scholar recognition.

Multiple Choice

If the PSAT is taken our junior year, why are we studying for it during grade 10?

• There is a PSAT10 which is typically offered in the spring that you are encouraged to take and is focused on 10th graders

• The PSAT is given in the fall of your junior year and that leaves very little time to prepare in 11th grade

• Studying for the PSAT will help improve your work in both the English and Math classes you are taking right now as well as any standardized tests

• All of these statements are true!

The PSAT is broken up into different sections:

• A Reading Test (60 min, 47 Questions)

• A Writing and Language Test (35 min, 44 Questions)

• A Math Test (technically 2 sections - one where you can use a calculator and one where you can't (70 min, 48 Questions)

Multiple Choice

Does the PSAT play a role in College Admissions?

• Yes! It is one factor of many that are considered by colleges

• No! It is basically a practice test for the SAT and plays no role in admissions.

How is the SAT differ from the PSAT?

The SAT does not differ significantly from the PSAT in structure or timing! The PSAT Reading Test has 5 fewer questions and the Math test is 10 questions shorter. The Writing & Language section is the same in terms of length and questions.

Multiple Choice

What does my PSAT score mean for my SAT score?

• They are scored on different scales so they don't relate to each other.

• They are aligned to the same scale so what you score on the PSAT would be approximately what you would get on the SAT

What is the National Merit Scholarship Program?

The NMS Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High School students enter the National Merit Program by taking the PSAT, being on track to graduate, and being a U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident.

Why should I care about the National Merit Program?

Aside from the possibility of winning a scholarship anywhere from $500-$10,000, the award itself looks great in your portfolio!

GENERAL STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

• Process of Elimination (POE): Eliminate wrong answers first

• Letter of the Day (LOTD): Last resort = guess, choose a letter from A-D for that day and any questions you don't know or don't have time to answer, use that letter.

• Pace Yourself: You will get a better score if you slow down and answer more questions confidently then use your LOTD than if you rush and make silly mistakes

• Embrace your POOD: Personal Order Of Difficulty (more on this later)

Open Ended

What questions do you have about the PSAT that was not answered in the slides?