Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results The PSAT/NMSQT is cosponsored by the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. OCTOBER 2008

2Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07 PSATs October 2008

3Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07 5 Main 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

4Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07 3 Sections of the Test Critical Reading - Blue Mathematics - Green Writing Skills - Orange

5Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07 Your Scores Ranges Section 1: Your Scores

6Understanding 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

7Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07 Percentiles higher than 55 juniors lower than 44 juniors

8Understanding 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. Get more information at

9Understanding 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

10Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07 Review Your Answers: Math Student- Produced Responses Only answers gridded in the ovals are scored.

11Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07 Answer Summary & Scoring Correct answer = plus 1 point Omitted answers = no points Wrong answers to multiple- choice questions = minus ¼ point. (To discourage students from blind or random guessing.) Wrong answers to math questions (Student Produced Responses) = No points lost.

12Understanding 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

13Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07 Section 4: National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) Programs Selection Index Percentile Entry Requirements

14Understanding 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

15Understanding 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.

16Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07 Your Online Access Code After You Receive Your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report Create a free collegeboard.com account to access MyCollege QuickStart at

17Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07 At 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

18Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07 At 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 * Ninth graders will see state percentile ranges.

19Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07 Free explanations for the answers to every test question, including why the correct answer is the best choice. At

20Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07 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 At

21Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07 A list of colleges in your state that offer the major you’re interested in. Select additional search criteria to refine their college list. At

22Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07 At 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.

23Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07 Mean PSAT Scores-October, 2008 Cardinal Spellman H.S. Junior Class Cardinal SpellmanNational Critical Reading Mathematics Writing

24Understanding 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

25Understanding 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…

26Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Results, 9/07 GET GOOD GRADES A, A- A, A