Prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT

Transcription

1 Junior Fall Visit Prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT : A Step to the Future Before I leave today, you should be able to Identify the contents of your transcript Remember how to calculate your GPA Understand the benefits and structure of PSAT testing Continue planning for after life after high school

2 What is a Transcript? -your academic record displaying grades in any high school course that you have taken Your transcript only shows S1, S2, and FG. Your GPA and rank will be figured in January, 2012 and will be on your transcript after that date. NO SOL test scores ALL SAT and ACT scores.

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4 Calculate Your GPA A GPA is calculated by giving your grades a number value and dividing by the number of classes. Your official school GPA is based on your semester grades Give each letter grade a number value. Honors and AP Classes have higher number values. Add up the number for each semester class and divide by the number of classes Remember you only use semester grades!

5 Calculate Your GPA AP A+ = 5.5 A = 5.0 B+ = 4.5 B = 4.0 C+ = 3.5 C = 3.0 D+ = 2.5 D = 2.0 F = 0 Honors A+ = 5.0 A = 4.5 B+ = 4.0 B = 3.5 C+ = 3.0 C = 2.5 D+ = 2.0 D = 1.5 F = 0 Z/C/Y/O A+ = 4.5 A = 4.0 B+ = 3.5 B = 3.0 C+ = 2.5 C = 2.0 D+ = 1.5 D = 1.0 F = 0 Remember you only use semester grades!

6 Junior Planning Calendar Important dates for college planning including SAT/ACT dates, College Fair dates, and more Located on our Cosby School Counseling website College Fair Dates: Cosby High School October 28, 4:30-6:00pm John Tyler Community College (Chester) October 29, 7:00-8:30pm ASVAB Test - November 7 Sign-Up with Mrs. Ritchie in the main School Counseling Office

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8 College Planning Advice Take the PSAT on October 17. Wait to do SAT/ACT until you have PSAT results back, January or later. Maximum number of times to take SAT/ACT should be no more than 3. Understand the difference between SAT I and II ACT is an alternative to the SAT. Visit with your counselor. Visit Career Center to research schools and majors. Military academy applications must be done in spring of junior year as well as ROTC applications. NCAA Clearinghouse Register by the end of junior year. Plan to visit schools in the spring. Stay active with clubs and volunteer activities.

9 SAT/ACT Test Prep If you would like to prepare in advance for the SAT or ACT, you can do the following: Sign up for SAT question of the day! Do the SAT and ACT practice tests online. Private companies offer test prep but be aware of the cost involved. Chesterfield County offers free test prep courses. Listen to the announcements for dates/times (probably next semester).

10 SAT/ACT Test Dates SAT Dates: October 6 November 3 December 1 January 26 March 9 May 4 June 1 ACT Dates: October 27 December 8 February 9 April 13 June 8 How do I register for either test?

11 PSAT/NMSQT Refresher Measures Academic Skills Needed for College Prepares you for the SAT/ACT You took it last year but you are strongly encouraged to take it again as a junior.

12 Preparation for the SAT Scholarship Opportunities (11 th grade) College and Career Planning Tools Feedback on Academic Skills College Information through Student Search Service Placement in Dual-Enrollment Classes Next Year Placement in AP Classes

13 Both have three sections: Critical Reading, Math, and Writing. The question types are the same, however, the PSAT does not have an essay component. Length: The PSAT is 2 hours, 10 minutes. The SAT is 3 hours, 45 minutes. Level of Difficulty: The PSAT does not have Algebra 2 math questions.

14 A scientific or graphing calculator is recommended. Bring a familiar calculator. Sorry We are unable to provide calculators.

15 Multiple-choice questions: 1 point for each correct ¼ point deducted for each incorrect Math grid-ins: 1 point for each correct 0 points for each incorrect 0 points for omitted questions Wild guessing is discouraged, but students should make educated guesses when answer choices can be eliminated

16 Scale: for each test section Averages: 11 th Graders: th Graders: You will get a score report before the winter break and you can use that information to prepare for the SAT/ACT.

17 PSAT Test Prep If you would like to prepare in advance for the PSAT, you can do the following: Take the PSAT Practice Test in the PSAT booklet that you will receive when you register. Be familiar with the test format. Visit to view other practice resources and to sign-up for the SAT Question of the Day.

18 When you sit down to take the test: Read all of the directions. Read all of each question s answer choices. Do scratch work in the test book. Work at a steady pace. If you skip a question: Note it in the test book. Leave it blank on the answer sheet. Return to it if there is time. Remember: you don t have to answer every question to score well.

19 Test Information: Sign-up during your lunch period starting Monday, October 1 $14 for the test Checks made out to Cosby High School You will get a PSAT booklet when you sign up Test Day/Date: Wednesday October 17 Time: Testing begins during 1 st period and will last for 2.5 hours. Location: Your English teacher will let you know. Bring: Two #2 Pencils & Calculator (Bring Your Own) Address and Social Security Number (Optional)

20 Military List IF YOU DON T WANT YOUR NAME TO BE GIVEN TO THE MILITARY, YOU MUST SEE MRS. RITCHIE IN THE MAIN SCHOOL COUNSELING OFFICE BY SEPT. 30

21 If you need to see your counselor Mr. Farthing: A-Bek & Th Z (Junior House) Mrs. Statts: Bel-Daz (Freshmen House) Mrs. Williams: De-G (Main Counseling Office) Mrs. Hennesey: H-I (Main Counseling Office) Mrs. Walker: J-McK (Sophomore House) Mrs. Sheetz: McL - Q (Senior House) Mrs. Garner : R - Tg (Main Hall Front Door) HAVE A GREAT JUNIOR YEAR!!!!