SCHOLARSHIP?CORPORATION

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1 2008 Who takes the PSAT/NMSQT? Approximately half of the 3.5 million students who take the test are high school juniors (eleventh graders); the remainder are students in the tenth grade (sophomores) or younger. Nearly all students who take the test indicate they plan attend college. The over 23,000 high schools that test-takers attend vary greatly in size, curricula, standards, grading systems, populations served, and sources of support. For students who take the PSAT/NMSQT, the score report provides a standardized view of their scholastic skills, regardless of the school attended, and helps them compare their performance other college-bound students nationwide. What does the PSAT/NMSQT measure? The PSAT/NMSQT measures skills in three basic academic areas important for success in college. reading questions assess students abilities draw inferences, synthesize information, distinguish between main and supporting ideas, and understand vocabulary as it is used in context. ematics problem-solving questions deal with number and operations; algebra and functions; geometry and measurement; and data analysis, statistics, and probability. skills questions measure the ability identify appropriate expressions in standard English, detect faults in usage and structure, choose effective revisions sentences and paragraphs, and recognize appropriate writing strategies. How is the PSAT/NMSQT scored? First, a raw score is computed. Students receive one point for each correct answer (regardless of difficulty). For incorrect answers multiple-choice questions, a quarter (1/4) of a point is deducted. Nothing is deducted for unanswered questions or for incorrect answers student-produced response (grid-in) questions. Next, the raw score is converted a score on the PSAT/ NMSQT scale of This statistical procedure, called equating, adjusts for differences in difficulty between various forms, or editions, of the test. Equating makes it possible compare the scores of students who have taken different editions of the test; it also makes the scores from last year s test comparable those from this year s PSAT/NMSQT. Preliminary SAT/National?Merit?Scholarship?Qualifying?Test cosponsored by NATIONAL?MERIT SCHOLARSHIP?CORPORATION / Do PSAT/NMSQT scores fairly reflect students skills? Concern for fairness is an integral part of the development of the PSAT/NMSQT. Comprehensive reviews and analyses ensure that questions and tests are fair for different groups of students. Although differences in test performance may be the result of many facrs, long-term educational preparation is the primary cause. The test itself reflects such differences but does not cause them. Individual student scores. Score reports show a numerical score for each area measured, as well as a range that extends from a few points below the score a few points above. This range shows the extent which a student s score might differ with repeated testing, assuming that the student s skill level remains constant. Differences between students. When comparing scores between students for the same measure (critical reading, mathematics, writing skills), you can determine true differences in scores by using the standard error of the difference (SED). Differences of fewer than 8 points (or 1.5 SED) are not significant, while differences of 8 points or more are likely reflect true differences in scores. What is reported in the Improve Your section of the score report? The Improve Your section of Score Report Plus gives students a personalized analysis of their areas of weakness as well as specific suggestions for how improve. This information is derived from analyzing individual performance across test questions. Each test question contains a different combination of skills required. Based on a student s individual performance across the questions, the score report notes up three skills each in critical reading and mathematics, and up two writing skills in which the student needs improve. The report also references questions that the student answered incorrectly in each of these noted skill areas. See the complete list of skills online at Are the reported skills the student s weakest areas? Not necessarily. Score Report Plus gives highest priority those skills that appear most attainable. This approach gives students a better opportunity improve, rather than overwhelming them with their shortcomings. For students who are weak in more than three critical reading skills, for example, the three in which they have the best chance improve with extra work are reported. The educational importance of the skills, determined with the advice of panels of expert educars, also plays a role in the selection. continued on back cover

2 Score PSAT/NMSQT Percentiles and Mean can be used compare a student s performance with that of juniors and sophomores. JUNIORS Percentiles Score SOPHOMORES Percentiles Mean score Mean score Standard deviation Number of juniors in sample 1,002,119 1,002,119 1,002,119 Standard deviation Number of sophomores in sample 1,009,739 1,009,739 1,009,739 Note Percentiles indicate the percentage of students whose scores fall below each specified score. On the score report, percentiles for juniors compare their performance with that of other juniors who ok the test. For sophomores or younger students, percentiles compare their performance with that of sophomores. Percentiles are based on the critical reading, mathematics, and writing skills scores earned by a sample of college-bound juniors or sophomores who ok the PSAT/NMSQT in The mean score is the statistic that describes the average performance of a group. The standard deviation is a measure of the variability of a set of scores around their mean. If the test scores cluster tightly around the mean score, as they do when the group tested is relatively homogeneous, the standard deviation is smaller than it would be for a more diverse group. Reliability shows how consistently a student would earn similar scores in repeated testings. Reliability Coefficient Average SEM ematics Note Data are based on a sample of sophomores and juniors who ok the PSAT/NMSQT in the previous year (2007 Wednesday and Saturday forms). A reliability coefficient helps show expected fluctuation in scores if a student takes a test more than once. The higher the reliability coefficient, the smaller the fluctuation of scores across repeated testings. A reliability coefficient of 1.00 would indicate perfect reliability, or no expected fluctuation. PSAT/NMSQT scores should be interpreted as ranges rather than points. The standard error of measurement (SEM) in the table above indicates that a student who ok different forms of the test under identical conditions would be likely earn scores within 4 points of one another. 2

3 Selection Index Percentiles and Mean Score can be used compare a student s performance with that of juniors. Selection Index Percentile Selection Index JUNIORS Percentile Selection Index Percentile & below Mean score Standard deviation 31.8 Number of juniors in sample 1,002,119 Note Reported on a scale ranging from , the Selection Index is the sum of the critical reading, mathematics, and writing skills scores. For example, a critical reading score of 56, a mathematics score of 62, and a writing skills score of 59 would result in a Selection Index of 177 ( ). Percentiles are based on the Selection Index earned by a sample of college-bound juniors who ok the PSAT/NMSQT in How NMSC Uses the Selection Index National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) uses the Selection Index score designate groups of students receive recognition in the programs it conducts. Entry NMSC s competitions for scholarships be offered in 2010 is determined by students responses program entry questions on the 2008 PSAT/NMSQT answer sheet. Both the PSAT/NMSQT Score Report Plus and the Roster of Student and Plans show the student s Selection Index, the student s responses four entry items, and whether the student meets participation requirements. Currently, more than 1.5 million test-takers meet requirements enter NMSC s competitions each year. Of the more than 1.5 million NMSC program entrants, about 55,000 will earn 2008 PSAT/NMSQT scores high enough qualify them for recognition. These students will be notified of their standing through their high schools in September Students who qualify continue in the competitions for scholarships be offered in 2010 must then meet academic and other requirements specified by NMSC be considered for awards. Detailed descriptions of NMSC programs are published in the Guide the National Merit Scholarship Program and the National Achievement Scholarship Program Information Booklet, mailed high school principals each fall. For students and parents, information about the competitions is given in the Official Student Guide the PSAT/NMSQT and at Inquiries about any aspect of the National Merit Program or National Achievement Program including entry requirements, the selection process, and awards be offered should be sent National Merit Scholarship Corporation, 1560 Sherman Avenue, Suite 200, Evansn, IL ; telephone

4 2008 PSAT/NMSQT Answer Keys show the correct answers for Form W and Form S of the 2008 test. FORM W CRITICAL WRITING CRITICAL MATH READING SKILLS READING FORM S MATH WRITING SKILLS Section 1 Section 2 Section 5 Section 1 Section 2 Section 5 1. D 1. D 1. D 1. A 1. D 1. D 2. B 2. A 2. C 2. D 2. B 2. D 3. A 3. C 3. C 3. D 3. A 3. B 4. D 4. A 4. B 4. B 4. D 4. E 5. C 5. E 5. A 5. C 5. E 5. C 6. E 6. C 6. C 6. E 6. C 6. D 7. C 7. A 7. C 7. E 7. C 7. C 8. D 8. A 8. D 8. B 8. A 8. B 9. A 9. B 9. C 9. D 9. B 9. D 10. C 10. C 10. C 10. C 10. C 10. C 11. E 11. D 11. C 11. B 11. B 11. A 12. C 12. C 12. D 12. B 12. A 12. C 13. D 13. B 13. C 13. E 13. C 13. A 14. E 14. E 14. A 14. B 14. D 14. B 15. D 15. D 15. D 15. D 15. E 15. E 16. C 16. B 16. E 16. D 16. B 16. E 17. D 17. B 17. E 17. C 17. B 17. E 18. D 18. B 18. B 18. E 18. E 18. B 19. D 19. E 19. C 19. E 19. C 19. D 20. B 20. A 20. A 20. B 20. D 20. C 21. D 21. A 21. A 21. D 22. C 22. B 22. D 22. E 23. D 23. A 23. A 23. D 24. B 24. C 24. D 24. A 25. E 25. B Section 3 Section D Section 3 Section B 25. A 21. C 27. A 25. A 21. C 27. B 26. D 22. A 28. A 26. B 22. D 28. E 27. E 23. D 29. E 27. B 23. A 29. A 28. C 24. E 30. A 28. D 24. E 30. C 29. D 25. B 31. C 29. B 25. E 31. E 30. D 26. C 32. C 30. A 26. A 32. B 31. B 27. E 33. B 31. C 27. E 33. D 32. C 28. C 34. A 32. E 28. B 34. C 33. D D 33. B 29. 9/2 or D 34. E C 34. C C 35. A B 35. C D 36. A /2 or A 36. E B 37. C 33. 3/2 or B 37. E D 38. E 34. 3, 8, or A E B 35. 2/5 or B C < x < D E D /2 < x < 38/1 42. C 38. 2/15 or E 43. B 44. D 44. B 45. D 45. B 46. E 46. E 47. E 47. A 48. E 48. D 4

5 2008 PSAT/NMSQT Score Conversion Tables show how points obtained on the test are converted scores on the PSAT/NMSQT scale. PSAT/NMSQT FORM W Wednesday, Ocber 15, 2008 PSAT/NMSQT FORM S Saturday, Ocber 18, Important Note represent the tal number of correct answers minus a quarter (1/4) of a point for each incorrect answer a multiple-choice question. Nothing is deducted for incorrect answers student-produced response questions or for omitted answers of any type. are taled, then converted scores on the PSAT/NMSQT scale. Converting points scores adjusts for slight differences in difficulty between various forms. A statistical process called equating adjusts for these small differences. This ensures that a score of, say, 65 on one form of the test reflects a similar level of performance as does a 65 on another form of the test. There is no advantage or disadvantage in taking either the Wednesday or the Saturday test form. 5

6 2008 PSAT/NMSQT Answer Key/Score Conversion Table shows the correct answers for the alternate form of the 2008 test and how points obtained on the test are converted scores on the PSAT/NMSQT scale. CRITICAL READING ANSWER KEY FORM A Alternate Form 2008 MATH WRITING SKILLS Section 1 Section 2 Section 5 1. E 1. C 1. B 2. B 2. B 2. A 3. E 3. B 3. E 4. B 4. E 4. A 5. D 5. C 5. D 6. C 6. A 6. A 7. B 7. E 7. E 8. E 8. D 8. D 9. C 9. E 9. C 10. D 10. A 10. D 11. E 11. C 11. D 12. D 12. A 12. E 13. D 13. D 13. E 14. B 14. D 14. B 15. D 15. C 15. A 16. E 16. D 16. C 17. E 17. C 17. C 18. A 18. B 18. E 19. C 19. A 19. E 20. A 20. D 20. D 21. E 21. B 22. E 22. D 23. C 23. E 24. C 24. B 25. C Section 3 Section D 25. A 21. A 27. C 26. D 22. B 28. B 27. E 23. A 29. B 28. E 24. D 30. B 29. E 25. C 31. C 30. C 26. E 32. D 31. E 27. C 33. C 32. B 28. C 34. E 33. D B 34. C 30. 9/2 or C 35. B C 36. B C 37. B or C 38. C A 35. 1/5 or C B A E 44. D 45. B 46. B 47. E 48. D SCORE CONVERSION TABLE FORM A Alternate Form

7 Note The PSAT/NMSQT reports scores on a scale from on the SAT are reported on a scale. The left-hand column of this table groups juniors by score ranges on the PSAT/NMSQT. Columns the right show the percentage of students who gained or lost points when they ok the SAT the following spring. The far right column shows the average SAT score for the group of juniors in each score range. On average, juniors taking the PSAT/NMSQT in Ocber and the SAT the following spring have SAT scores that are 17 points higher in critical reading, 16 points higher in math, and 22 points higher in writing (equivalent 1.7, 1.6, and 2.2 points, respectively, on the PSAT/NMSQT scale). Of the PSAT/NMSQT testtakers who ok the SAT in the spring, 60% had SAT critical reading scores that were higher, 7% had scores that stayed the same, and 33% had lower scores; 58% had SAT math scores that were higher, 8% had scores that stayed the same, and 34% had lower scores; 62% had SAT writing scores that were higher, 6% had scores that stayed the same, and 32% had scores that were lower than their corresponding PSAT/NMSQT scores. Relatively low PSAT/NMSQT scores are followed by larger average gains than are relatively high PSAT/NMSQT scores. Several facrs can influence the amount that scores will change, such as a student s academic course work and outside reading. Score Change From PSAT/NMSQT SAT shows how scores change for students who take the PSAT/NMSQT in Ocber and the SAT the following spring. Percentage of Students with a Score Gain or Loss Between the PSAT/NMSQT and the SAT CRITICAL READING PSAT/ NMSQT -140 & below & above Average of SAT MATHEMATICS PSAT/ NMSQT -140 & below & above Average of SAT WRITING PSAT/ NMSQT -140 & below & above Average of SAT Data are based on 585,947 students who ok the PSAT/NMSQT as juniors in Ocber 2007 and the SAT as juniors in spring The first SAT score from either the March, May, or June 2008 administration was used. 7

8 Can PSAT/NMSQT scores be used estimate SAT scores? PSAT/NMSQT critical reading, mathematics, and writing skills questions are designed be the same as those on the SAT. This is deliberate, as the PSAT/NMSQT questions are intended be reliable preparation for the same types of questions on the SAT. The PSAT/NMSQT scale of is comparable the SAT scale of Estimated SAT score ranges are included on high school students supplemental, online score reports in My College QuickStart. Two times out of three, students earn SAT scores within these ranges, but actual scores may be higher (or lower) than these estimates. (As SAT writing scores also include an essay, there will be more variability in the estimates of those scores.) Higher-than-estimated SAT scores may result from intervening activities, such as: developing skills through rigorous academic courses; participating in problem-solving activities; extensive, quality outside reading and/or writing; following the personalized advice in My SAT Study Plan in My College QuickStart; and becoming more familiar with test directions, types of questions, and pacing. Juniors frequently take the SAT six or seven months after taking the PSAT/NMSQT. Estimated SAT scores assume the SAT is taken within a year of the PSAT/NMSQT. Sophomores might not take the SAT for 18 months, providing a greater opportunity for intervening activities influence their SAT scores. What PSAT/NMSQT reports do schools receive? The following standard reports are provided all schools: PSAT/NMSQT Score Report Plus for each student tested (one for the student and one for the school) Score Labels, summarizing the basic score information (one set of labels) Roster of Student and Plans, listing student-reported information, scores, and My College QuickStart access code for each student, as well as educar access codes for online ols and reports. School Summary Report (provided aumatically if at least 50 of a school s eleventh graders or tenth graders tested at the school), summarizing score statistics and student-reported information. Schools that test fewer than 50 eleventh graders/ tenth graders, but at least 25 of their own students of the same sex and grade level, receive Summary Statistics. The following ols and reports are available online at AP Potential, a Web-based ol identifying more students with the potential for success in Advanced Placement Program (AP ) courses. Summary of Answers and, aggregating student responses each test question and providing information on skills that need improvement. PSAT/NMSQT Summary Reports: National, Regional, and State Data, providing score statistics and student-reported information for juniors and sophomores, including final mean scores. Reports for 2008 will be available in the spring of The following optional reports are available for a small fee. To order, visit School Summary Report, summarizing score data for schools that test fewer than 50 juniors/50 sophomores, or for schools that have some juniors or sophomores who tested elsewhere. Schools that test 50 or more of their juniors/sophomores aumatically receive this report. Student Data File, including all student-provided data as well as scores, skills, and students My College QuickStart access codes. (Available in either Excel-ready or ASCII format.) My College QuickStart My College QuickStart is an easy--use, online, personalized college and career planning kit for all students who take the PSAT/NMSQT. This useful ol incorporates responses students provided when they ok the test and presents personalized information in four main parts: My Online Score Report, My SAT Study Plan, My College Matches, and My Major & Career Matches. My College QuickStart is available using the access code printed on the student s score report, and it can be utilized throughout high school. How should schools use PSAT/ NMSQT score reports? The PSAT/NMSQT is intended help students evaluate skill levels in three critical academic areas; prepare for the SAT; compare their readiness for college-level work with that of their peers; and enter scholarship competitions. Score reports should be used for counseling students about educational plans. PSAT/NMSQT scores are not for use by colleges as part of their admission criteria. Do not include scores on student transcripts that will be reproduced and sent colleges unless the student (age 18 or older) or parent/guardian has granted permission. Inform students of their right withhold these scores from admission or athletic offices, even when requested. Questions? Visit for additional data relevant the test. Or contact the PSAT/NMSQT program at: Mail: P.O. Box 6720, Princen, NJ Phone: PSAT (7728) (for educars only) a.m. 4 p.m. eastern time Fax: psat@info.collegeboard.org Plan Ahead for 2009 PSAT/NMSQT Dates Wednesday, Ocber 14, 2009 Saturday, Ocber 17, The College Board. All rights reserved. College Board, AP, Advanced Placement Program, SAT, and the acorn logo are registered trademarks of the College Board. AP Potential, My College QuickStart, and My SAT Study Plan are trademarks owned by the College Board. PSAT/NMSQT is a registered trademark of the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. 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