RUSD COLLEGE WEEK 2018 An Overview of the PSAT and Next Steps for Success
What is the PSAT? RUSD is offering the PSAT to all 7th-11th grade students to help build a District-wide college-going culture, and to provide students with a glimpse at their overall strengths and weaknesses in topics necessary for college success. The Preliminary SAT, also known as the PSAT (PSAT/NMSQT National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test for 11th grade), is a preparatory version of the SAT exam that assesses students reading, writing, and math skills. Students can only take the PSAT once per year. If students earn a high score on the PSAT their junior year, they could qualify to receive a National Merit Scholarship $180 million dollars in merit scholarships are awarded to students each year!
What is the PSAT? The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) Helps students start planning a path to college Exposes students to the different kinds of questions commonly found on higher-stakes tests in the years to come Provides opportunities for students to glimpse one s college readiness, including their strengths and weaknesses Provides 10th/11th grade students specific practice for the SAT Connects students o free, personalized SAT-preparation from Khan Academy Connects students to potential colleges and scholarship opportunities
Why does the PSAT matter? Students who take the PSAT multiple times tend to score higher on the actual SAT, which is the entrance exam many colleges and universities use to help make their college admission decisions. The PSAT is highly relevant to students future success because it focuses on the skills and knowledge at the heart of education. The PSAT measures: What you learn in high school What you need to succeed in college The best way to prepare for the PSAT each year is to: Take challenging courses Do your homework Prepare for tests and quizzes Ask and answer lots of questions
So, if you want to go to college... What multiple measures do colleges use? GRADES TEST SCORES Colleges use multiple measures to find the students that are the best fit for their school, and to determine which students will have the best chance at success. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES RECOMMENDATIONS
Multiple Measures Grades 1. GPA Class Rank Test Scores 2. SAT ACT Extracurricular Activities 3. Clubs Community Service Sports Enrichment Recommendations 4. Variety
Know Where You Stand Review your transcripts Check course grades Check test scores Monitor graduation status completion Look at the bottom for your current GPA and Rank
So, if you want to go to college... Start your research early Online College Visits Career Center College Visits Attend Career Fairs UCs, CSUs, Privates, and Out-of-State Colleges all have different entrance requirements regarding grades, test scores, and courses. RUSD College and Career Fair Wednesday, October 10th Redlands High School - Terrier Gym 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Use College Board s - BigFuture Find colleges by doing College Search or search by College Name Click on Applying Click the SAT & ACT Scores Tab Scroll down to view SAT Mid-Range Test Scores
How do you create a College Board Account? The College Board is an organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success including the SAT and the Advanced Placement Program. Why is it important to have a College Board Account? Access to PSAT/SAT and AP Scores Free personalized SATpreparation through Khan Academy Ease of sending test scores to colleges Register for exams and print exam admission tickets Manage personal college list Save scholarship searches Compare college costs and programs
Your College Board Account Go to www.collegeboard.org Sign in or Sign up
Sign Up Instructions Sign Up if you have never created a College Board account. Fill in all blanks correctly. https://account.collegeboard.org/login/signup
Creating a College Board Log In Create a Username and Password Suggested - Username: State Student ID (ex. 1234567890) Password: First Name, First 3 of Last Name,.First 5 SSID (ex. stephanieloc.12345)
Pair your College Board Account to Khan Academy! Step 1 Visit satpractice.org and create a Khan Academy account. Step 2 When prompted, agree to link your Khan Academy and College Board accounts. You will then be directed to collegeboard.org. Step 3 Sign in or create a College Board account. Step 4 When prompted, hit Send to authorize the account linking. Step 5 Start practicing on Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy!
Other uses for your College Board account? Explore Colleges & Careers with BigFutures (ACCESS) View AP Potential Scores AP credit policies Register for the SAT (junior year)
Not yet sure about your college and career plan? College Board and Khan Academy is still a great tool Improving your reading, writing, and math skills will still help with high school The better your reading, writing, and math skills, the better your potential and success at work, a trade school, community college, 4-year university, and LIFE!
Looking Forward Give the PSAT your best effort - now and in future years Focus on opportunities - in and out of the classroom Every semester counts - starting NOW Keep an eye on your grades ask for help when needed turn in your work ON TIME.. and study! Volunteer Join a club and hold a leadership position Form meaningful relationships with teachers, coaches, and/or supervisors - these are future recommendations Look for enrichment opportunities (ex. summer camps) PRACTICE FOR THE SAT Use your resources
RUSD Resources Visit the Career Center - explore your career interests and take advantage of college visits/information Explore school site websites Visit www.redlandsusd.net/collegeandcareer This PowerPoint is posted under PSAT/SAT testing Dr. Stephanie Lock Coordinator of College, Career, and Special Programs Website: www.redlandsusd.net/collegeandcareer Email: stephanie_lock@redlands.k12.ca.us Phone: 909-307-5300 extension 20305 Twitter: @RUSD_CTE