Transcription
Prepare for thePSAT/NMSQT
Table of Contents01 What Is the PSAT/NMSQT?02 When Is the PSAT/NMSQT?03 Skills Tested on the PSAT/NMSQT04 How to Prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT05 Sample PSAT/NMSQT Questions06 Resources2
1What Is thePSAT/NMSQT?
Some Key FactsThe PSAT/NMSQT assesses the same knowledge and skillsas the SAT, providing a check-in on college readiness beforestudents take the SAT .3.8 millionstudents take thePSAT/NMSQT each year toget feedback on their skillsand practice for the SAT.Scores for the SAT Suite of Assessments (SAT,PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9) are reported ona common vertical scale, allowing educators and studentsto measure progress Propels students toward college and career readiness Is cosponsored by the College Board and National MeritScholarship Corporation Serves as an entry point to over 300 million inscholarship dollars4
What to know about the PSAT/NMSQTTest length:2 hours 45 minutesNo points deductedfor incorrect answersor unansweredquestions, alsoknown as “rights-onlyscoring”Personalized SATpractice throughKhan Academy withstudents’ ownPSAT/NMSQT scoresScale ranges for thescores are320–1520 for thetotal score5
Benefits of the PSAT/NMSQTPersonalized SAT practice on KhanAcademy based on students’PSAT/NMSQT answersOnline college and careerplanning toolsAligned to the SATAdmission and financial aidinformation from collegesIncreased access to additionalscholarship providersMajors and career exploration withCollege Board and Roadtrip Nation6
2When is thePSAT/NMSQT?
PSAT/NMSQT Test DatesFor a list of upcoming PSAT/NMSQT administration dates, aswell as information on key deadlines and timelines, please -psat10/k12-educators/psat-nmsqt-dates8
3Skills Tested onthe PSAT/NMSQT
Skills Tested Each test assesses the academicskills that students have developedover the years, primarily throughtheir coursework. These skills are consideredessential for success in highschool, college, and career.Reading TestWriting and Language TestMath Test10
Reading Test 5 passages 47 passage-based questions;60 minutesQuick Facts All questions are multiplechoice and based onpassages. Some passages are pairedwith other passages orinformational graphics suchas graphs and tables. No mathematicalcomputation is required. Topic-specific priorknowledge is never tested.11
Reading TestWhat to ExpectIn the Reading Test, students will encounter questions likethose asked in a lively, thoughtful, evidence-based discussion.12
Writing and Language Test 4 passages 44 passage-based questions;35 minutesQuick Facts All questions are multiplechoice and based onpassages. Some passages are pairedwith informational graphicssuch as graphs and tables. No mathematicalcomputation is required. Topic-specific priorknowledge is never tested.13
Writing and Language TestWhat to ExpectThe Writing and Language Test puts students in the activerole of an editor who is improving a written passage. Mostquestions ask students to decide which, if any, of thealternatives to an underlined part of a passage mostimproves it.14
Math Test 2 test sections; 70 minutes 48 questions (40 multiple choice,8 student-produced responses)Quick Facts Most math questions willbe multiple choice, butsome will be studentproduced responses. The Math Test is divided intotwo portions:Math Test – Calculator andMath Test – No Calculator. Some parts of the testwill present a scenario andthen ask several questionsabout it.15
Math TestWhat to ExpectThe Math Test focuses on the math that matters most forcollege and career readiness. To succeed on the MathTest, students will need to demonstrate mathematicalpractices, such as problem solving and using appropriatetools strategically.16
How Does the PSAT/NMSQT Connect to the SAT?Content and Domain AlignmentAll tests in the SAT Suite of Assessments (SAT,PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9) arealigned to the same research backbone and focuson the same domain of knowledge and skills.ScoringAll tests in the SAT Suite of Assessments are on acommon score scale that provides consistentfeedback, enabling teachers to adjust instruction tobetter support students who are ahead or behind.17
How Does the PSAT/NMSQT Connect to the SAT?That means the score students get on the PSAT/NMSQT is the same score they wouldhave gotten on the SAT if they’d taken it on the same day.18
How Does the PSAT/NMSQT Compare to the SAT?TimeEssaySection ScoreRangePSAT/NMSQT2 hours 45 minutesNone160–760SAT3 hours 50 minutesOptional200–80019
4How to Prepare forthe PSAT/NMSQT
Know How the PSAT/NMSQTIs ScoredRights-Only Scoring 1 point for each correct answer No points deducted for incorrect answers or unansweredquestionsMath Student-Produced Responses You can enter answers as (reduced) fractions or decimals. If rounding a decimal, make sure to enter as manycharacters as are allowed.Scale 160–760 for each test section 320–1520 for the total score21
Personalized Skills InformationThe PSAT/NMSQT Score Report Contains information to help students improveacademic skills. Lists skills that students have the best chance of improvingwith additional work. Connects to personalized practice recommendations onKhan Academy.22
Preparation Starts in SchoolReadContinuous reading improves vocabulary and developsessential skills.Take Challenging CoursesThis will help students to develop and strengthen their criticalthinking skills.23
5SamplePSAT/NMSQTQuestions
Reading TestPassage-Based Questions25
Reading TestPassage-Based Questions26
Reading TestPassage-Based Questions27
Writing and Language TestPassage-Based Questions28
Writing and Language TestPassage-Based Questions29
Writing and Language TestPassage-Based Questions30
Math TestCalculator: Permitted31
Math TestCalculator: Permitted32
Math TestCalculator: Permitted33
Math TestCalculator: Not Permitted34
Math TestCalculator: Not Permitted35
Math SectionStudent-Produced Responses36
Math SectionMath Test — CalculatorStudents: Know Your Calculator A scientific or graphing calculator is recommended. Students should bring a familiar calculator. Test day is notthe time to figure out how to use a new calculator.37
Math SectionMath Test — CalculatorAdditional Calculator Tips for Students Don’t try to use the calculator on every question—noquestion requires one. Decide how to solve each problem; then decide whether touse a calculator. Make sure your calculator is in good working order andthat batteries are fresh. Students will not be permitted to use laptops or othercomputers, tablets, cell phones, or smartphones, etc.Please reference the student guide for a complete list.38
Take the 2019-20 PSAT/NMSQTHow to Sign Up: You are already signed up!Test Day/Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2021Time: 7:10 am Main Campus7:20 am Ninth Grade CampusLocation: Seminole High School MainCampus & Ninth Grade CampusMake sure you bring: Two No. 2 pencils Calculator (optional)39
Resources
ResourcesFor general information about the PSAT/NMSQT please visit: collegeboard.org/psat41
ResourcesTo find out more about National Merit Scholarship Corporation and its scholarships,visit: nationalmerit.org42
ResourcesTo find out more about scholarship opportunities, visit: psat.org/scholarships43
ResourcesFor personalized resources aligned to the SATSuite of Assessments (including the PSAT/NMSQT),please visit: khanacademy.org/satTake a PSAT/NMSQT practice test in thePSAT/NMSQT Student Guide, available throughyour counselor or at:collegeboard.org/psatpractice44
Good luck!
PSAT/NMSQT each year to get feedback on their skills and practice for the SAT. Some Key Facts. The PSAT/NMSQT assesses the same knowledge and skills as the SAT, providing a check -in on college readiness before students take the SAT . Scores for the SAT Suite of Assessments (SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT
