OCTOBER 2008
Understanding
PSAT/NMSQT
Results
The PSAT/NMSQT is cosponsored by the College Board and the
National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
PSATs
•October 2008
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Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07
5 Main Parts of the Score Report
1. Your
Scores
2. Review
Your Answers
4. National
Merit
Scholarship
Programs
Information
5. Your
Educational
Plans
3. Improve
Your Skills
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Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07
3 Sections of the
Test
Critical Reading - Blue
Mathematics - Green
Writing Skills - Orange
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Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07
Section 1: Your Scores
Your Scores
Ranges
46 . . . . . . . . . . . 50 . . . . . . . . . . . 54
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Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07
Percentiles
• If you are a junior, your scores are
compared to other juniors.
• If you are a sophomore, or younger, your
scores are compared to sophomores.
Get more information at
www.collegeboard.com/quickstart.
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Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07
Percentiles
1 . . . . . . . . . . . 56 . . . . . . . .. . . 100
higher than 55 juniors
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lower than 44 juniors
Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07
Section 2:
Review Your
Answers
• Question number
• Correct Answer
• Your Answer
• Level of Difficulty
You will get your test book
with your score report, so
you can review the test
questions.
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Get more information at
www.collegeboard.com/quickstart.
Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07
Review Your
Answers:
Math
Also shows the math
content area of each
question:
• Alg = Algebra & Functions
• Data = Data Analysis,
Statistics & Probability
• Geom = Geometry &
Measurement
• Num = Number &
Operations
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Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07
Review Your
Answers:
Math StudentProduced
Responses
Only answers gridded in the
ovals are scored.
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Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07
Answer
Summary &
Scoring
• Correct answer = plus 1 point
• Omitted answers = no points
• Wrong answers to multiplechoice questions = minus ¼
point. (To discourage students
from blind or random
guessing.)
• Wrong answers to math
questions 29-38 (Student
Produced Responses) = No
points lost.
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Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07
Section 3: Improve
Your Skills
• The skills listed are
based on your individual
performance.
• Follow the suggestions
noted in “how to
improve” and work with
your teachers.
• Review skills using
questions listed
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Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07
Section 4: National
Merit Scholarship
Corporation (NMSC)
Programs
• Selection Index
• Percentile
• Entry Requirements
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Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07
Section 5: Your
Educational Plans
Based on the college major you provided
on the answer sheet, this section will give
you:
• Description of what college students learn
and do with that major
• Associated skills
• Recommended high school courses
Get more information at
www.collegeboard.com/quickstart.
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Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07
After You Receive Your PSAT/NMSQT
Score Report
• Review your
answers by
revisiting test
questions with
which you had
difficulty.
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Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07
After You Receive Your PSAT/NMSQT
Score Report
Your Online Access Code
• Create a free collegeboard.com account
to access MyCollege QuickStart at
www.collegeboard.com/quickstart.
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Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07
At www.collegeboard.com/quickstart:
Free, personalized
college and career
planning kit:
• My Online Score
Report
• My SAT Study Plan
(for high school students)
• My College Matches
• My Major & Career
Matches
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Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07
At www.collegeboard.com/quickstart:
Review your online score report:
• Sort questions by difficulty level and question type
• View complete answer explanations
For high school students:
• Projected SAT scores: what your scores may be on the SAT
• State percentiles: how you did compared to other students in
your state*
Sort
Questions
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* Ninth graders
will see state
percentile
ranges.
Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07
At www.collegeboard.com/quickstart:
• Free explanations for
the answers to every
test question, including
why the correct answer
is the best choice.
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Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07
At www.collegeboard.com/quickstart:
High school students receive additional
practice for the SAT:
• Practice SAT questions
• Practice SAT essay
• Student-written sample SAT essays
• Official SAT practice test
Middle school students receive
instructions to sign up for The Official
SAT® Question of the Day
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Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07
At www.collegeboard.com/quickstart:
A list of colleges in your
state that offer the major
you’re interested in.
Select additional search
criteria to refine their
college list.
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Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07
At www.collegeboard.com/quickstart:
View profiles of the college major
you chose as well as related
majors and careers.
Connect to MyRoad, an interactive
college and career planning
website. MyRoad comes complete
with major and career profiles, an
online magazine, self-discovery
tools, a planning portfolio, and
more.
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Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07
Mean PSAT Scores-October, 2008
Cardinal Spellman H.S. Junior Class
•
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Cardinal Spellman
National
• Critical Reading
48.3
46.8
• Mathematics
48.9
48.9
• Writing
48.7
45.9
Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07
If You Need Assistance or
Have Questions….
See Your Guidance Counselor
• Last Names A to Cave – Mrs. LaCara
• Last Names Cellini to F - Mrs. Hogan
• Last Names G – O – Mrs. Miller
• Last Names – P to Z – Mr. McGrath
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Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07
What Now?
• Attend Reverse College Day – January 7
• Register online to take the SATs in either May or in June
• Meet with your counselor to discuss the college admissions
process
• Arrange to visit colleges over the April vacation
• Attend the National College Fair
• Go to “Making the College Search Count” held during school
on March 24
• Attend along with your parents ‘The Junior Jumpstart College
Information Night on April 14
• AND…
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Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07
•GET GOOD
GRADES
A, A- A, A
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Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07