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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 (11 th -graders only).
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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?
