1. PSAT/NMSQT PSAT – Preliminary SAT NMSQT - National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test

2. National Merit Scholarship Corporation  Also called the NMSC: sponsors the PSAT  NMSC uses the PSAT as an initial screening for JUNIORS who enter NMSC programs  Your PSAT also determines whether you are eligible for NMSC honors  If you have questions regarding National Merit go to: www.nationalmerit.orgwww.nationalmerit.org

3. Why do I need to take the PSAT/NMSQT?  To get feedback on your strengths and weaknesses of scholastic skills.  To enter the competition for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC)  To prepare for the SAT.  To receive information from colleges by checking "yes" to Student Search Service.Student Search Service

4. Who should take the test?  Freshman, sophomores and juniors should take the PSAT/NMSQT.  Sophomores Receive personalized feedback on academic skills relating to college success.  Junior Enter into competitions for the scholarship programs conducted by NMSC and to prepare for the SAT.

5. PSAT TEST DATE When:Saturday, October 15, 2011 Where:Mission Bay High School Time:8:00 -11:30 a.m.

6. What is on the PSAT/NMSQT?  Critical Reading: Tests vocabulary, main idea, fact vs. opinion, and more Split into two 25-minute sections Contains 48 questions total 13 Sentence Completions and 35 Passage- Based Reading Critical Reading: 13 Sentence Completions  Do Sentence Completion first. These are the easiest questions in Critical Reading and require less time than the passage-based reading questions.

7. What is on the PSAT/NMSQT?  Mathematics: Tests basic arithmetic, algebra and geometry Split into two 25-minute sections Contains 39 questions total 28 multiple choice including 10 that require you to form a response (called grid-ins) Mathematics:  Do Multiple-Choice Math Questions first. Because these math questions actually have choices, these are the easiest ones to answer and require less time than the grid-ins.

8. What is on the PSAT/NMSQT?  Writing: Tests grammar, mechanics, and word choice Has one 30-minute section Contains 39 questions total 39 questions including identifying sentence errors, improving sentences, and improving paragraphs. Writing:  Identifying Sentence Errors first. Because they are shorter, these are the easiest questions on the Writing Skills section and require less time than the other two types.

9. Reminders  This is the only test date this year, so make sure to attend.  YOU MUST BRING a #2 pencil and a scientific or graphing calculator. (Calculator will not be available on test day.)*Points deducted for incorrect answers but there is no deduction for questions left blank  *You may use a calculator on the exam (Four function, Scientific, and Graphing. No cell phone calculators)  *For practice questions go to: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/pr ep.html

10. Access Your Score Online  www.collegeboard.com/psatextra www.collegeboard.com/psatextra  FREE access to explanations for answers to every question on the PSAT  Access to the My Road: tool to used to explore career & college

11. Register for PSAT  Register in Counseling Office  Fees: JUNIORS – FREE FRESHMAN & SOPHMORES  $18  $5 if you are on free or reduce lunch  Deadline to Register FRIDAY, September 23, 2011

12. PSAT TEST DATE When:Saturday, October 15, 2011 Where:Mission Bay High School Time:8:00 -11:30 a.m.  Deadline to Register FRIDAY, September 23, 2011