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Prepare forthe PSAT 8/92017-18
Contents What Is the PSAT 8/9? Benefits of the PSAT 8/9 When Is the PSAT 8/9? Skills Tested on the PSAT 8/9 How to Prepare for the PSAT 8/9 Resources2
What Is thePSAT 8/9?
SomeKey Facts The PSAT 8/9 is designed for 8th‐ and9th‐grade students. The PSAT 8/9 is a test that will help educatorsand students figure out what students need towork on most so that they are ready for collegewhen they graduate from high school. Scores for the SAT Suite of Assessments (SAT,PSAT/NMSQT , PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9) arereported on a common vertical scale, allowingeducators and students to measure progress. Test length: 2 hours and 25 minutes. There’s no penalty for guessing or blankresponses, also known as “rights-only scoring.”4
Benefits of thePSAT 8/9The PSAT 8/9 establishes a baseline measurement of collegeand career readiness.The PSAT 8/9 tests the same skills and knowledge as the SAT,PSAT/NMSQT, and PSAT 10—in a way that makes sense foreach grade level.Personalized practice on Khan Academy gives students theopportunity to upload their test results to receive targetedlearning plans that students can use to learn more about andpractice the skills they need to improve.The score reports will give students comprehensive,personalized feedback on test performance, allowing students tosee which questions were answered incorrectly and whichacademic skills they should work to improve.Information on college majors and career exploration are offeredby the College Board and Roadtrip Nation.5
PSAT 8/92017-18Test DatesThe PSAT 8/9 is given in the fall and spring.Fall 2017Testing WindowSpring 2018Testing WindowSEPT. 25FEB. 26JAN. 26APRIL 27THRUTHRU6
Skills Testedon thePSAT 8/9
Skills TestedReading TestWriting and Language TestMath Test Each test assesses the academic skills thatstudents developed over the years, primarilythrough coursework. These skills are considered essential forsuccess in high school, college, and career.8
ReadingTest 42 passage based questions;55 minutes 4 single passages and1 pair of passagesQuick 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.9
ReadingTestWhat to ExpectThe Reading Test always includes: One passage from a classic or contemporary work ofU.S. or world literature One passage or a pair of passages from either a U.S.founding document or a text in the great globalconversation they inspired. The U.S. Constitution or aspeech by Nelson Mandela, for example A selection about economics, psychology, sociology,or some other social science. Two science passages (or one passage and onepassage pair) that examine foundational conceptsand developments in Earth science, biology,chemistry, or physics10
Writing andLanguageTest 40 passage based questions;30 minutes 4 passagesQuick 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. The Writing and Language Test is part of the EvidenceBased Reading and Writing section.11
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 todecide which, if any, of the threealternatives to an underlined part of apassage most improves it.12
MathTest 2 test sections; 60 minutes 38 questions(31 multiple choice, 7 grid-ins)Quick Facts Most math questions will be multiple choice, but somewill be 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 a scenario and thenask several questions about it.13
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.14
MathSectionMath Test – CalculatorStudents: Know Your Calculator A scientific or graphing calculator isrecommended. Students should bring a familiarcalculator. Test day is not the timeto figure out how to use a newcalculator.15
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.16
How Does thePSAT 8/9Connect to thePSAT 10, thePSAT/NMSQT,and the SAT?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 the enabling teachers to adjustsame research backbone and instruction to better supportfocus on the same domain of students who are aheadknowledge and skills.or behind.17
How Does thePSAT 8/9Connect to thePSAT 10, thePSAT/NMSQT,and the SAT?The score students get on the PSAT 8/9 isthe same score they would have gotten onthe PSAT10, PSAT/NMSQT, or SAT if they’dtaken it on the same day.18
How to Preparefor thePSAT 8/9
Know How thePSAT 8/9 IsScoredRights-Only Scoring 1 point for each correct answer 0 points deducted for each incorrect orblank questionMath Grid-ins Enter answers as (reduced) fractions or decimals. If rounding a decimal, make sure to use every box.Scale 120–720 for each test section 240–1440 for the total score20
PersonalizedSkillsInformationThe PSAT 8/9 Score Report Contains information to help students improvetheir academic skills. Lists skills that students have the best chance ofimproving with additional work. Connects students to personalized practicerecommendations on Khan Academy.21
PreparationStarts inSchoolReadContinuous reading improvesvocabulary and developsessential skills.Take Challenging CoursesThis will help students to develop andstrengthen their critical thinking skills.22
Take the2017-18PSAT 8/9How to Sign Up:Test Day/Date:Time:Location:Make sure you bring: Two No. 2 pencils Calculator (optional)23
Resources
ResourcesFor personalized resourcesaligned to the SAT Suite ofAssessments (includingPSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, andPSAT/NMSQT), please visit:satpractice.orgFor general informationabout the PSAT 8/9, pleasevisit:psat.org/8-925
Good luck!
PSAT 8/9 The PSAT 8/9 establishes a baseline measurement of college and career readiness. The PSAT 8/9 tests the same skills and knowledge as the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, and PSAT 10—in a way that makes sense for each grade level. Personalized practice on Khan Academy gives students the opp
