Interpreting the PSAT

1. Interpreting the PSAT Erikka Goff Director Georgetown Learning Centers

2. This evening we will... • Answer frequently asked questions about the PSAT • Interpret the score report • Explore My College QuickStart

3. Why do students take the PSAT? • To prepare for the SAT, which is one of the factors used by universities and colleges to determine who they accept. • PSAT scores are not for use by colleges as part of their admission criteria. • To qualify for the National Merit Scholarship program (11th-graders only)

4. Who takes the PSAT? • More than 3.5 million students • Mostly juniors • Over 23,000 high schools • Albemarle County pays for all 10th and 11th graders to take the PSAT.

5. What does the PSAT measure? • The PSAT provides a standardized view of scholastic skills in three basic areas • Critical reading • Mathematics problem-solving • Writing skills • Helps compare student performance to other college-bound students nationwide

6. How is the PSAT scored? • Students receive one point for each correct answer • For incorrect answers to multiple-choice questions, ¼ of a point is deducted • Nothing is deducted for incorrect answers on the student-produced response questions • The student’s score is reported on a scale of 20 to 80 for each section (Critical Reading, Math and Writing) • Maximum total score of 240

7. Average PSAT Scores in 2012 • The average score for eleventh graders was about: • 48 in Critical Reading • 48 in Mathematics • 46 in Writing Skills • The average score for tenth graders was about: • 43 in Critical Reading • 43 in Mathematics • 41 in Writing Skills

8. Will my student’s PSAT score change from one year to the next? • On average, students scores as juniors (compared to their scores as sophomores) are 3.3 points higher in critical reading, 4.0 points higher in math, and 3.3 points higher in writing skills

9. How will my student’s score change from the PSAT to the SAT? • The PSAT is scored on a scale from 20 to 80 where the SAT is scored on a scale from 200 to 800 • On average, juniors taking the PSAT in October 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 • Relatively low PSAT scores are followed by larger average gains than are relatively high PSAT scores

10. Can PSAT scores be used to estimate SAT scores? • PSAT questions are designed to be the same type as those on the SAT. • The PSAT scale of 20 to 80 is comparable to the SAT scale of 200 to 800. • Estimated SAT score ranges are included on the student’s score report in My College QuickStart • Two times out of three, students earn SAT scores within these ranges

11. Differences between SAT and PSAT • The SAT is a much longer test (3 hours and 45 minutes), compared to the PSAT (2 hours and 10 minutes)

12. How can my student improve his/her score? • Rigorous academic courses • Extensive, quality outside reading and/or writing • Follow the advice in My SAT Study Plan in My College QuickStart • Take a practice test and become more familiar with test directions, types of questions, and pacing

13. Interpreting the score report Handout: A Parent Tutorial for Understanding 2012 PSAT/NMSQT Results • Your Scores • Your Skills • Your Answers • National Merit Scholarship Corporation Programs • Next Steps • Information about My College Quickstart and Access Code

14. My College QuickStart New in 2012!

15. What’s next? • Eleventh-graders should register for the SAT and possibly SAT Subject tests this spring at www.collegeboard.org • Another option to consider is the ACT Test. • Study!