Preparing for the PSAT, SAT, ACT & more!

Preparing for the PSAT, SAT, ACT & more!

Important Tests Take them seriously, do your best, & know what to expect! PSAT/NMSQT? SAT w Writing SAT Subject Tests ACT w Writing AP Exams CAASPP for State of California English & Math Placement Tests at a community college or university 2

What Is the PSAT/NMSQT? It s a test practice for the SAT. If you take it, you get free individualized SAT prep through Khan Academy. Your junior year PSAT scores can qualify you for scholarship programs such as the National Merit Scholarship, which can help cover the cost of tuition and get you into a great college.

What to know about the PSAT/NMSQT Test length: 2 hours 45 minutes No penalty for guessing or blank responses, also known as rights-only scoring Personalized SAT practice through Khan Academy with students' own PSAT/NMSQT scores Scale ranges for the scores are 320 1520 for the total score 4

Benefits of the PSAT/NMSQT Personalized SAT practice on Khan Academy based on students' PSAT/NMSQT answers Aligned to the SAT Increased access to additional scholarship providers Online college and career planning tools Admission and financial aid information from colleges Majors and career exploration with College Board and Roadtrip Nation 5

How Does the PSAT/NMSQT Connect to the SAT? The score students get on the PSAT/NMSQT is the same score they would have gotten on the SAT if they d taken it on the same day. 6

PSAT/NMSQT 2018 Test Dates Hoover Test Date OCT 10 Free for 10 th & 11 th graders Pre-ID has to be done before the test. Date, Time, & Location to be announced 7

Skills Tested Reading Test 5 Passages 47 Passage-Based Questions; 60 minutes Writing and Language Test 4 Passages 44 Passage-Based Questions; 35 minutes Math Test 2 Test Sections; 70 minutes 48 Questions (40 multiple choice, 8 grid-ins) 8

Quick Facts Most of the questions are multiple choice. Some passages are paired with other passages or informational graphics such as charts, graphs, and tables. No mathematical computation is required for the reading/writing portions. Most math questions will be multiple choice, but some will be student-produced responses (grid-ins). The Math Test is divided into two portions: Math Test Calculator and Math Test No Calculator. A scientific or graphing calculator is recommended. 9

Math Section Student-Produced Responses 10

How Does the PSAT/NMSQT Compare to the SAT? PSAT/NMSQT 2 hours 45 minutes Time SAT 3 hours 50 minutes X Optional Essay 160 760 200 800 Section Score Range 11

SAT Generally, students take the SAT for the first time in spring of their junior year. They usually test a second time in summer or fall of senior year. December of senior year is the last test date colleges will accept scores. Early Decision/Early Action have earlier due dates. Check with each individual college. Make time to practice. Visit collegeboard.org. Visit each college website to find out the average SAT/ACT scores for admission. Didn t reach your goal the 1 st time? 67% of students improve their score the second time. Like PSAT, No Penalty for Guessing 12

SAT Quick Facts 13

SAT with Writing March 9 (Reg. by 2/8) May 4 (Reg. by 4/5) June 1 (Register by 5/3) ACT with Writing Feb. 9 (Reg. by 1/11) April 13 (Reg. by 3/8) June 8 (Reg. by 5/3) & July 13 (Reg. by 6/14)

SAT Subject Tests There are 20 SAT Subject Tests in five general subject areas: English, history, languages, mathematics and science. Each Subject Test is an hour long. They are all multiple-choice and scored on a 200 800 scale. Some schools require them for specific majors, it shows your strength in a specific area. Check college websites to see which subject tests are required if any and the deadline. You can take 1-3 subject tests at a time. For math, UC s require Math Level 2. Subject tests scores can be used to meet the a-g subject matter by examination. 15

SAT Subject Tests Spanish Spanish with Listening French French with Listening Chinese with Listening Italian German German with Listening Modern Hebrew Latin Japanese with Listening Korean with Listening Biology E/M Chemistry Physics U.S. History World History Math Level 1 Math Level 2 English Literature 16

College Fee Waivers You may qualify to have many college fees waived. Eligibility Requirements, if you say yes to one: 1. Receive free/reduced lunch 2. Meet the annual family income guidelines 3. Your family receives public assistance 4. You live in federal subsidized housing 5. You are a foster youth or homeless Pick up a verification form from the counseling office, your parent must sign If you are eligible, you will get the waiver online code You get 2 SAT waivers in 11-12 th grade You get 2 SAT subject test waivers in 9-12 th grade Once you register on your CollegeBoard account to use a fee waiver, it will keep track of the remaining ones Eligible for college application fee waivers 17

AP Exams AP Exams are from May 8 to May 17 Take the AP exams. You potentially can earn college credit, save money and time. Your scores are not a determining factor in the admission process. 18

Take Core Classes ACT recommends: 4 years of English 3 years of Math (Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II) minimum 3 years of Science (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science/Space, Physics) minimum 3 years of Social Studies How can students prepare for the ACT?

The ACT Features Test Score Scales English 1-36 Usage and Mechanics Rhetorical Skills Mathematics 1-36 Pre-Algebra/ Elem Algebra Interm Algebra/Coord Geometry Plane Geometry/Trig Reading 1-36 Social Studies/Sciences Arts/Literature Science 1-36 Composite Score 1-36 Average of four test scores (No writing) The ACT Plus Writing Combined English and Writing Writing Test subscore 2-12 20

The ACT Features ACT Writing Test 1 writing prompt, 30 minutes Measures writing skills emphasized in high school English classes and in entry-level college composition courses UC s require the writing, some Cal States do as well 21

How do I know if I m college ready?

English of 2016 ACT-tested high schools graduated met the ACT English benchmark

Reading of 2016 ACT-tested high schools graduated met the ACT Reading benchmark

Mathematics of 2016 ACT-tested high schools graduated met the ACT Math benchmark

Science of 2016 ACT-tested high schools graduated met the ACT Science benchmark

When should I take the test? It depends on the time you need to practice based on your PSAT or the first time scores for the SAT/ACT. Generally you take the test in spring of your junior year and a second time in the summer or fall of senior year. Which test should I take? Take both. Depends on the average scores of your top-choice colleges. See which test you want to take at least twice. Hoover will offer Free SAT prep classes in the spring. Login or create your CollegeBoard and ACT account today. SAT or ACT

Is retesting worth it? YES!!!!! of students* saw an increase in their score after they retested. *2015 ACT tested students

It can help you get into a college It gives you information on careers Scores can lead to scholarship and financial aid opportunities. 29

Resources Collegeboard.org ACT.org

Example of Resources For general information about the PSAT/NMSQT, please visit: collegeboard.org/psat 31

Resources For personalized resources aligned to the SAT Suite of Assessments (including the PSAT/NMSQT), please visit: satpractice.org Take the practice test in the PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide, available through your counselor or at: collegeboard.org/psatpracti ce 32

PSAT Reminder How to Sign Up: Test Day/Date: Free for grades 10-11 Just Show up Wednesday, Oct. 10 Time: Location: TBD TBD Make sure you bring: Two No. 2 pencils Calculator 33

CAASPP California Test Cal States & community colleges will use your scores to: 1. Exempt you from taking the English and Math placement exams 2. If your scores show you are college level ready, you will go straight into English 101, Math 101, etc. 3. You will save money and time Hoover will receive recognition in meeting benchmarks for the state It gives more value to your school 34

Good luck! From Ms. Iraheta oiraheta@gusd.net