Transcription
Preparefor thePSAT/NMSQT2017
Contents What Is the PSAT/NMSQT ? When Is the 2017 PSAT/NMSQT? Skills Tested on the PSAT/NMSQT How to Prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT Sample PSAT/NMSQT Questions Resources2
What Is thePSAT/NMSQT?
SomeKey FactsScores for the SAT Suite of Assessments(SAT, PSAT/NMSQT , PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9)are reported on a common vertical scale, allowingeducators to measure students progress Propels students toward college and careerreadiness Is cosponsored by the College Board andNational Merit Scholarship Corporation Serves as an entry point to nearly 160 million inscholarship dollars3.8 millionstudents take the PSAT/NMSQT eachyear to get feedback on their skillsand practice for the SAT.4
What to knowabout thePSAT/NMSQTTest length: 2 hours 45 minutesNo penalty for guessing or blank responses,also known as “rights-only scoring”Personalized SAT practice throughKhan Academy with students' ownPSAT/NMSQT scoresScale ranges for the scores are320 – 1520 for the total score5
Benefits of thePSAT/NMSQTPersonalized SAT practice on Khan Academybased on students' PSAT/NMSQT answersAligned to the SATIncreased access to additionalscholarship providersOnline college and career planning toolsAdmission and financial aid informationfrom collegesMajors and career exploration withCollege Board and Roadtrip Nation6
PSAT/NMSQT2017 Test DatesPrimaryTest DateSaturdayTest DateAlternateTest DateOCTOCTOCT1114257
Skills Testedon thePSAT/NMSQT
Skills TestedReading TestWriting and Language TestMath Test Each test assesses the academic skills thatstudents have developed over the years,primarily through their coursework. These skills are considered essential forsuccess in high school, college, and career.9
ReadingTest 5 Passages 47 Passage-Based Questions;60 minutesQuick Facts All questions are multiple choice and based on passages. Some passages are paired with other passages orinformational graphics such as charts, graphs, and tables. No mathematical computation is required. Prior topic-specific knowledge is never tested.10
ReadingTestWhat to ExpectIn the Reading Test, students willencounter questions like those askedin a lively, thoughtful, evidence-baseddiscussion.11
Writing andLanguageTest 4 Passages 44 Passage-Based Questions;35 minutesQuick Facts All questions are multiple choice and based on passages. Some passages are paired with informational graphicssuch as charts, graphs, and tables. No mathematical computation is required. Prior topic-specific knowledge is never tested.12
Writing andLanguageTestWhat to ExpectThe Writing and Language Test putsstudents in the active role of an editorwho is improving a written passage.Most questions ask students to decidewhich, if any, of the three alternativesto an underlined part of a passagemost improves it.13
MathTest 2 Test Sections; 70 minutes 48 Questions(40 multiple choice, 8 grid-ins)Quick Facts Most math questions will be multiple choice, but some willbe student-produced responses (grid-ins). The Math Test is divided into two portions:Math Test – Calculator and Math Test – No Calculator. Some parts of the test will present students with ascenario and then ask several questions about it.14
MathTestWhat to ExpectThe Math Test focuses on the maththat matters most for college andcareer readiness. To succeed on theMath Test, students will need todemonstrate mathematical practices,such as problem solving and usingappropriate tools strategically.15
How Does thePSAT/NMSQTConnect to theSAT?Content andDomain AlignmentScoringAll tests in the SAT Suite ofAll tests in the SAT SuiteAssessments are on aof Assessments (SAT,common score scale thatPSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and provides consistent feedback,PSAT 8/9) are aligned to theenabling teachers to adjustsame research backbone and instruction to better supportfocus on the same domain of students who are aheadknowledge and skills.or behind.16
How Does thePSAT/NMSQTConnect to theSAT?That means the score students get on thePSAT/NMSQT is the same score theywould have gotten on the SAT if they’dtaken it on the same day.17
How Does thePSAT/NMSQTCompare to theSAT?PSAT/NMSQTSAT2 hours45 minutes3 hours50 minutesTimeXOptionalEssay160—760200—800Section ScoreRange18
How to Preparefor thePSAT/NMSQT
Know How thePSAT/NMSQT IsScoredRights-Only Scoring 1 point for each correct answer 0 points deducted for each incorrect or blankquestionMath Grid-ins You can enter answers as (reduced) fractions ordecimals. If rounding a decimal, make sure to use everybox.Scale 160–760 for each test section 320–1520 for the total score20
PersonalizedSkills InformationThe PSAT/NMSQT Score Report Contains information to help students improveacademic skills. Lists skills that students have the best chanceof improving with additional work. Connects to personalized practicerecommendations on Khan Academy.21
Preparation StartsinSchoolReadContinuous reading improvesvocabulary and developsessential skills.Take Challenging CoursesThis will help students to develop andstrengthen their critical thinking skills.22
SamplePSAT/NMSQTQuestions
ReadingTestPassage-Based Questions
ReadingTestPassage-Based Questions
ReadingTestPassage-Based Questions26
Writing andLanguageTestPassage-Based Questions27
Writing andLanguageTestPassage-Based Questions28
Writing andLanguageTestPassage-Based Questions29
MathTestCalculator: Permitted30
MathTestCalculator: Permitted31
MathTestCalculator: Permitted32
MathTestCalculator: Not Permitted33
MathTestCalculator: Not Permitted34
MathSectionStudent-Produced Responses35
MathSectionMath Test – CalculatorStudents: Know Your Calculator A scientific or graphing calculator isrecommended. Students should bring a familiarcalculator. Test day is not the time tofigure out how to use a newcalculator.36
MathSectionMath Test – CalculatorAdditional Calculator Tips for Students Don’t try to use the calculator on everyquestion―no question requires one. Decide how to solve each problem; thendecide whether to use a calculator. Make sure your calculator is in good workingorder and that batteries are fresh. Students will not be permitted to use laptopsor other computers, tablets, cell phones, orsmartphones, etc. Please reference thestudent guide for a complete list.37
Resources
ResourcesFor personalized resources alignedto the SAT Suite of Assessments(including the PSAT/NMSQT),please visit:satpractice.orgFor general information about thePSAT/NMSQT, please visit:collegeboard.org/psat39
ResourcesTake the practice test in thePSAT/NMSQT Student Guide,available through your counselor or at:collegeboard.org/psatpracticeTo find out more about National MeritScholarship Corporation and itsscholarships, visit:nationalmerit.org40
Take the 2017PSAT/NMSQTHow to Sign Up:Test Day/Date:Time:Location:Make sure you bring: Two No. 2 pencils Calculator (optional)41
Good luck!
PSAT/NMSQT Personalized SAT practice on Khan Academy based on students' PSAT/NMSQT answers Aligned to the SAT Increased access to additional scholarship providers Online college and career planning tools Admission and financial aid information from colleges Majors and ca
