Erikka Goff Georgetown Learning Centers. Answer frequently asked questions about the New PSAT ...

Interpreting the PSATErikka Goff

Georgetown Learning Centers

Answer frequently asked questions about the New PSAT

Interpret the score report

Explore resources to prepare for the New SAT

This evening we will…

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).

Why do students take the PSAT?

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.

What does the PSAT measure? The PSAT provides a standardized view of

scholastic skills in the following areas:◦ Evidence-Based Reading and Writing◦ Mathematics

Helps compare student performance to other college-bound students nationwide

Helps students see if they are on the right track for college readiness

How is the PSAT scored? Students receive one point for each correct

answer For incorrect answers or blank answers, zero

points are deducted The student’s score is reported on a scale of

160 to 760 for each section (Evidence-based Reading and Writing; Math)

Maximum total score of 1520

The average score for eleventh graders was:◦ 480 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing◦ 489 in Math◦ 969 total

The benchmarks for college readiness were:◦ 390 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing◦ 500 in Math

Average PSAT scores

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 320 to 1520 is

comparable to the SAT scale of 400 to 1600. Projected SAT score ranges are included in

the student’s online score report.

Vertical Scaling of Scores

The SAT is a much longer test with essay (3 hours and 50 minutes), compared to the PSAT (2 hours and 45 minutes)

Differences between SAT and PSAT

SAT sections PSAT sectionsReading: 65 min. Reading: 60 min.

Writing & Language: 35 min. Writing & Lang: 35 min.Math no calculator: 25 min. Math no calculator: 25 min.

Math with calculator: 55 min. Math with calculator: 45 min.

Essay (optional): 50 min. No essay

Total: 3 hr 50 min. Total: 2 hr 45 min.

How can my student improve his/her score? Rigorous academic courses Extensive, quality outside reading and/or

writing Using the free College Board and Khan

Academy resources online Take a practice test and become more

familiar with test directions, types of questions, and pacing

Total score (320 to 1520) Section scores (160 to

760) Test Scores (8 to 38

range) Cross-Test Scores (8 to 38

range) Subscores (1 to 15 range)

Interpreting the score report

Interpreting the score report

Interpreting the score report

National Merit Scholarship

Your scores: Next Steps

Interpreting the score report

Correct Answer Difficulty Level Subscore/Cross-

Test Categories See the questions

and answer explanations online

Question-Level Feedback

CollegeBoard has partnered with Khan Academy to offer personalized practice

Go to satpractice.org on your phone or computer to link your accounts

Resources

11th 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

What’s next?

SAT and SAT Subject Test Dates2015-2016

March 5 (SAT Only)May 7June 4

Study!◦ Private Prep is great for students who have

unbalanced scores, or for students who have scores in the highest (>90%) or lowest (<40%) percentiles.

◦ Class Prep is great for students with even scores but could use some general improvement and instruction.

◦ Taking practice tests and timed self-study is great for students who didn’t have problems with content, but struggled with timing and stamina.

What’s next?

Erikka GoffDirectorGeorgetown Learning Centers434-296-5111erikka.goff@glclearn.com

Questions?