Understanding your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report You just received your score reports from the PSAT but what do they mean and why should you care? This is Mr. Mindel and Ms. Valentine and we are going to help you understand your PSAT scores and understand why they are important. Please take out your score reports and follow along. Understanding your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report

What are the Benefits of Me Taking the PSAT/NMSQT®? Prepare Juniors for the new SAT®, coming in March 2016 Prepare Sophomores for the official PSAT/NMSQT in October 2016 to qualify for scholarships Get free, personalized, and focused practice through Khan Academy® Qualify Juniors for the National Merit® Scholarship Program See which AP® courses you might be ready for Get admission and financial aid information from colleges There are many benefits from taking the PSAT/NMSQT. Here are only a few of the benefits you receive from taking the test.

How Do I Access My PSAT/NMSQT® Scores and Reports? There are two ways to access your scores. Today you will receive your paper score report but you can receive a more detailed report by going online to studentscores.collegeboard.org and creating a College Board account, if you don’t already have one Here is a quick video that will give you an overview of understanding your scores. You can view more informational videos on the College Board website, www.collegeboard.org Review Your Paper Score Report Review your Online reports at studentscores.collegeboard.org 3

When Should I Take the SAT®? Most students take the SAT in the spring of their junior year. Many students choose to take the SAT more than one time. Additional SAT dates include: May 7, 2016 (scores from the March 5 administration will not be available prior to this test date) June 4, 2016 Howard High School offers the exam here on May 7 but several other Howard County schools also offer the June test. 5

How Do I Register for the SAT®? SAT Registration link from Popular Tools menu or www.sat.org/register You can register for the SAT through your college board account or by going to the above site. 6

What Are My Next Steps? Continue to take challenging courses in high school Link scores with Khan Academy Set up a practice plan and stick to it Juniors should register for the SAT in May or June Utilize other resources to research and prepare for college Your next steps are up to you, but these are some steps you can take as you prepare for college and beyond. 7

QUESTIONS? Make an appointment with your counselor before school, during lunch or after school to discuss your scores, developing a study plan or if you are having difficulty accessing your scores online.