Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Results

Transcription

1 Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Results 1

2 Agenda Four Major Parts of Your PSAT/NMSQT Results National Merit Scholarship Information More About Your Skills More About Your Answers Next Steps How My College QuickStart Can Help You 2

3 Why Students Took the PSAT test: 10 th graders Prepare for the S.A.T. Access to My College QuickStart and other services from CollegeBoard Start receiving information from colleges 11 th graders Same as 10 th graders Enter Scholarship and Recognition programs 3

4 Steps in the National Merit Scholarship Competition October, 2014 Over 1.5 Million test takers April, 2015 Top 50,000 (about 96 th percentile Nationally) offered College Plans Reporting Service September ,000 students qualify as semifinalists. Notified through their schools. Based on highest scores in each state. September, ,000 test takers receive Letters of Commendation. Do not continue. Jan/Feb, ,000 semifinalists will be selected as Finalists. March, ,600 Merit and Special Scholarship Winners (National Merit - $2,500, Corporate-sponsored, College-sponsored, Minority-based) 4

5 Your Scores Your Skills Four Major Parts of Your PSAT/NMSQT Results Your Answers Next Steps 3 Test Sections Critical Reading Mathematics Writing Skills 5

6 Your Skills See how you did on each skill. The same skills are tested on the SAT. You can try hundreds of practice questions, organized by skill, online in My College QuickStart ( 6

7 National Merit Scholarship Corporation Information The Selection Index is the sum of your critical reading, mathematics and writing skills scores. If it has an asterisk, you do not meet all of the eligibility requirements for the competition. The Percentile compares your performance to that of other college-bound juniors. The Entry Requirements section displays information you provided on your answer sheet. 7

8 Your Answers You will get your test book back with your PSAT/NMSQT results, so that you can review the questions. You can also review each test question in My College QuickStart. 8

9 Your Answers: Student-Produced Responses Some of the math problems required you to grid in answers instead of selecting an option. For these questions, you will see the correct answer(s) written out. 9

10 Next Steps What s next? Use the access code on your report to log in to My College QuickStart, a personalized college and career planning kit. There you can: Search for colleges Get a personalized SAT study plan Take a personality test to find majors and careers that fit you Learn more about AP courses that you might be ready to take 10

11 How Can My College QuickStart Help You? 11

12 12 My College QuickStart

13 My College QuickStart My Online Score Report Projected SAT score ranges State percentiles You can filter questions Questions and answer explanations 13

14 My College QuickStart My SAT Study Plan Personalized skills to improve SAT practice questions An official SAT practice test 14

15 My College QuickStart My Personality Personality test Description of your type Tips for success Majors and careers that might be a good fit for you 15

16 My College QuickStart My College Matches Starter list of colleges Criteria to customize search Ability to save searches 16

17 My College QuickStart My Majors & Career Matches Major you chose Related majors Related careers 17

18 My College QuickStart My AP Potential List of AP courses Which ones are offered at your school 18

19 My College QuickStart My AP Potential Choose a major to see which courses match it. Interpret your report to see whether you are ready to take a course. 19

20 My College QuickStart Log in to your personalized account at 20

21 College and Career Readiness Benchmarks are the scores for sophomores and juniors associated with a 65% likelihood of achieving a B- (2.67) first year college GPA. 21

22 Resources for SAT Prep Students should plan to take the SAT (or ACT) in the Spring of Junior year and no later than November or December of Senior year. Many students take the SAT more than once. When to first take the SAT can vary depending on your math and English course work. 22

23 23 Test Dates

24 How to Register for the SAT 24

25 Security/ Photo Requirements You must provide a photo with your registration, which will become part of your Admission Ticket. By providing your photograph, you help us to ensure the integrity of the test administration for all students. For more information go to: 25

26 SAT Fees You can take 1 SAT or up to 3 subject tests on each test date. SAT- $52.50 SAT Subject Tests- $26 registration fee + $16 for each test ($26 for Language tests) Fee Waivers may be available if you qualify. See your counselor. 26

27 Sending your Scores Send your scores to up to 4 schools for free when you test. 27

28 Studying Use the Collegeboard Website. My College QuickStart using your personalized code Sign up to receive the Question of the Day SAT Apps are available March to Success 28

29 Studying (continued) Various test preparation books in the media, at the local library or to purchase Carroll Community College (online classes) Local tutors (ask your School Counseling Office) See your School Website. 29

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31 Also Consider the ACT The ACTs are content based tests that include science. The writing portion is optional, but many colleges recommend that you take it. You can sign up by visiting We encourage you to take both tests. Typically a student will do better on one test than the other. It depends on your learning and thinking style.

32 ACT Test Dates