PSAT/NMSQT

1. PSAT/NMSQT PSAT – Preliminary SAT NMSQT - National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test

2. National Merit Scholarship Corporation • Also called the NMSC: sponsors the PSAT • NMSC uses the PSAT as an initial screening for JUNIORS who enter NMSC programs • Your PSAT also determines whether you are eligible for NMSC honors • If you have questions regarding National Merit go to: www.nationalmerit.org

3. Why do I need to take the PSAT/NMSQT? • To get feedback on your strengths and weaknesses of scholastic skills. • To enter the competition for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). • To prepare for the SAT. • To receive information from colleges by checking "yes" to Student Search Service.

4. Who should take the test? • Freshman, sophomores and juniors should take the PSAT/NMSQT. • Sophomores • Receive personalized feedback on academic skills relating to college success. • Junior • Enter into competitions for the scholarship programs conducted by NMSC and to prepare for the SAT.

5. PSAT TEST DATE When: Saturday, October 15, 2011 Where: Mission Bay High School Time: 8:00 -11:30 a.m.

6. What is on the PSAT/NMSQT? • Critical Reading:Tests vocabulary, main idea, fact vs. opinion, and more Split into two 25-minute sections Contains 48 questions total 13 Sentence Completions and 35 Passage-Based Reading • Do Sentence Completion first. These are the easiest questions in Critical Reading and require less time than the passage-based reading questions.

7. What is on the PSAT/NMSQT? • Mathematics:Tests basic arithmetic, algebra and geometry Split into two 25-minute sections Contains 39 questions total 28 multiple choice including 10 that require you to form a response (called grid-ins) • Do Multiple-Choice Math Questions first. Because these math questions actually have choices, these are the easiest ones to answer and require less time than the grid-ins.

8. What is on the PSAT/NMSQT? • Writing:Tests grammar, mechanics, and word choice Has one 30-minute section Contains 39 questions total 39 questions including identifying sentence errors, improving sentences, and improving paragraphs. • Identifying Sentence Errors first. Because they are shorter, these are the easiest questions on the Writing Skills section and require less time than the other two types.

9. Reminders • This is the only test date this year, so make sure to attend. • YOU MUST BRING a #2 pencil and a scientific or graphing calculator. (Calculator will not be available on test day.)*Points deducted for incorrect answers but there is no deduction for questions left blank • *You may use a calculator on the exam (Four function, Scientific, and Graphing. No cell phone calculators) • *For practice questions go to: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/prep.html

10. Access Your Score Online • www.collegeboard.com/psatextra • FREE access to explanations for answers to every question on the PSAT • Access to the My Road: tool to used to explore career & college

11. Register for PSAT • Register in Counseling Office • Fees: • JUNIORS – FREE • FRESHMAN & SOPHMORES • $18 • $5 if you are on free or reduce lunch • Deadline to Register • FRIDAY, September 23, 2011

12. PSAT TEST DATE When: Saturday, October 15, 2011 Where: Mission Bay High School Time: 8:00 -11:30 a.m. • Deadline to Register • FRIDAY, September 23, 2011