Understanding YOUR PSAT/NMSQT Results The PSAT/NMSQT is cosponsored by the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

2Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/06 5 Major Parts of the Score Report 1. Your Scores 2. Review Your Answers 3. Improve Your Skills 4. National Merit Scholarship Programs Information 5. Your Educational Plans

3Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/06 3 Sections of the Test Critical Reading - Blue Mathematics - Orange Writing Skills - Green

4Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/06 Your Scores Ranges Section 1: Your Scores

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.  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. More info at

6Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/06 Percentiles higher than 54 juniors lower than 45 juniors

7Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/06 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. More info at

8Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/06 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

9Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/06 Review Your Answers: Math Student- Produced Response Only answers gridded in the ovals are scored

Answer Summary & Scoring RCorrect answer = plus 1 point ROmitted answers = no points RWrong answers to multiple-choice questions = minus ¼ point. (To discourage students from blind or random guessing.) RWrong answers to math questions (Student Produced Responses) = No points lost. RCorrect answer = plus 1 point ROmitted answers = no points RWrong answers to multiple-choice questions = minus ¼ point. (To discourage students from blind or random guessing.) RWrong answers to math questions (Student Produced Responses) = No points lost.

11Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/06 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

12Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/06 Section 4: National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) Programs Selection Index Percentile Entry Requirements

13Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/06 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 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 More info at

14Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/06 After You Receive Your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report Review your answers by revisiting test questions with which you had difficulty.

15Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/06 Your Online Access Code After You Receive Your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report Create a free collegeboard.com account to access MyCollege QuickStart at

16Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/06 Examples of College Average GPAs and SAT/ACTs GPA SAT ACT (CR+M only) (Composite) USC Columbia USC Aiken Clemson Coastal Carolina College of Charleston Lander University Winthrop University Spartanburg Meth

17Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/06 State Supported Scholarships Palmetto Fellows Score 1200 SAT (Critical Reading + Math) or 27 ACT, 3.5 minimum GPA, top 6% of sophomore, junior or senior year. OR Score 1400 on SAT or 32 ACT and 4.0 GPA $6,700 each academic year

18Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/06 State Supported Scholarships LIFE Scholarship Four-Year School (must meet two of the three qualifiers) 3.0 Final GPA Top 30% of graduating class 1100 SAT or 24 ACT Two-Year School 3.0 Final GPA Up to $5,000 per academic year (even at the Technical School) TTC tuition is currently $3,600/year…do the math

19Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/06 State Supported Scholarships HOPE Scholarship Only available at Four-Year Schools 3.0 Final GPA $2,800 for the first academic year Lottery Tuition Assistance Program Only available at Two-Year Schools Must complete the FAFSA Award money varies by academic year. All information about State Scholarships can be reviewed at

20Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/06 What Should I do Next? 1) Consider taking an outside SAT Preparation Course in the weeks leading up to the test. 2) Juniors should take the SAT 2-3 times during their Junior Year 3) Sophomores should plan on taking PSAT again Junior Year to try for NMSQT. 4) All students should take classes that match up with their Career & College Plans as determined in their IGP (Individual Graduation Plan). 5) Research Colleges Early so you can make informed decisions. 6) Discuss your PSAT and PLAN scores with your guidance counselor to determine which test will be best suited to you.

21Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/06 SAT vs. ACT Scholastic Aptitude Test scored in 3 sections Math, Critical Reading and Writing Range of for M and CR 600 – 2400 for M, CR, and W combined 1/4 th point lost on SAT for wrong answers National average is 1020 (M & CR) 1510 for M, CR, and W combined Measures reasoning ability Most Math questions at Algebra 1 and Geometry level. Take multiple times and early Achievement Test Tests English, Math, Reading and Science Range of scores for ACT is 0 – 36 Don’t loose points on ACT for wrong answers National Average 21 Tests higher level math including Pre Cal Take after most of your course work. Take Senior year SAT ACT

22Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/ – 2010 SAT Test Dates Test Dates Deadline October 10, 2009SAT & Subject TestsSeptember 9, 2009 November 7, 2009SAT & Subject TestsOctober 1, 2009 December 5, 2009SAT & Subject TestsOctober 31, 2009 January 23, 2010SAT & Subject TestsDecember 15, 2009 March 13, 2010SAT onlyFebruary 4, 2010 May 1, 2010SAT & Subject TestsMarch 25, 2010 June 5, 2010SAT & Subject TestsApril 29, 2010

ACT Test Dates Test DateRegistration Deadline(Late Fee Required) September 12, 2009*August 7, 2009August 8 – 21, 2009 October 24, 2009September 18, 2009September 19 – October 2, 2009 December 12, 2009November 6, 2009November 7 – 20, 2009 February 6, 2010**January 5, 2010January 6 – 15, 2010 April 10, 2010March 5, 2010March 6 – 19, 2010 June 12, 2010May 7, 2010May 8 – 21, 2010 More information available at: