Why Admissions Tests Matter PSAT SCORE INTERPRETATION 1 12/22/16 - - PDF document
12/22/16 PSAT Score Parent Interpretation Seminar Seminar Why Admissions Tests Matter PSAT SCORE INTERPRETATION 1 12/22/16 Test Taking Timeline PSAT PSAT AP Tests SAT and/or ACT SAT and/or Last ACT chance! Fall Sophomore
Fall Sophomore Spring Sophomore Fall Junior Spring Junior Fall Senior
PSAT AP Tests SAT and/or ACT PSAT SAT and/or ACT Last chance!
Nearly 90% of colleges placed considerable or moderate importance on test scores* Merit scholarships are awarded based on test scores and grades
2 hours, 45 minutes
Aligned with the New SAT, and almost the same length No Essay
§ No guessing penalty § Now scored on a scale of 1520 ü Evidence-Based Reading & Writing ü Math
Scores Delivered Electronically to schools: Dec 5, 2016 Scores Delivered Electronically to schools: Dec 12, 2016 Hard Copies of Scores Mailed to Schools (Expected Delivery January 2017)
§ 3 scores: Math, Reading, and Writing & Language § Range of 8 - 38
§ Math § Range of 160 - 760
§ Evidence-Based Reading + Writing § Range of 160 - 760
§ Sum of the two Area Scores § Range of 320 - 1520
Score Range 8-38 Number of Scores 2 Definition § 2 Cross-Test Scores:
1. Analysis in History/Social Sciences 2. Analysis in Science
§ Scores will reflect how students perform on specific questions across Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing that are tied to History/Social Studies and Science
Score Range 1-15 Number of Scores 7 Definition § Reading and Writing & Language:
ü Command of Evidence ü Relevant Words in Context
§ Writing & Language:
ü Expression of Ideas ü Standard English Conventions
§ Math
ü The Heart of Algebra ü Passport to Advanced Math ü Problem Solving and Data Analysis
The PSAT highest score possible on the PSAT is 1520 Colleges use PSAT scores to make admissions decisions There is a wrong answer penalty on the PSAT to discourage guessing The PSAT is not like any other test you take in school You can prepare for the PSAT The PSAT is just like the SAT Fact Myth! Fact Myth! Myth! Fact
ü Evidence-Based Reading & Writing ü Math
3 hours, 50 minutes including 50 minute essay
ü No sentence completions ü Passage topics include US and World Literature, History/Social Studies, and Sciences (500 - 750 words) ü 65 minutes
ü Focus on extended prose (400 - 500 words) ü 35 minutes
ü Problem solving and data analysis ü “The Heart of Algebra” ü “Passport to Advanced Math”
ü 25 minutes / 20 questions without a Calculator ü 55 minutes / 38 questions with a Calculator
average score from four test sections:
ü English ü Math ü Reading ü Science
3 hours, 25 minutes including 40 minute essay
45 minutes / 75 questions Evaluate the structure of various passages:
60 minutes / 60 questions
35 minutes / 40 questions
35 minutes / 40 questions
§ Essay is optional § 50 min on SAT, 40 min on ACT Asks students to write a timed essay on a given topic, integrating text content
Sciences Humanities SS/History Sciences New SAT ACT Literature Careers Humanities SS/History Literature
Data Analysis/Problem Solving Algebra Geometry Algebra Data Analysis/Problem Solving Geometry Trig New SAT ACT Trig
The SAT is more widely accepted than the ACT The ACT is easier than the SAT You should only take the ACT if you are good at science Myth! Myth! Myth!
1. The SAT has a greater focus on History & Social Studies passages, while the ACT requires more Science reading. 2. Both focus on Algebra, but the SAT has a greater emphasis
3. Both essays are optional, but the SAT essay requires additional text analysis. 4. The SAT has a No Calculator Math section. 5. The SAT Math section has grid-in questions. What’s the Difference? New SAT? ACT?
Read, read, read! Reading comprehension is heavily tested – reading for fun will help Pay attention in class The SAT and ACT reflect skills learned in the classroom Get an SAT or ACT book and do practice problems The types of questions repeat a lot Get to know the format The instructions are always the same Take practice tests You’ll know what to expect on test day
A Free Practice Test – learn what the SAT/ACT is like Online at www.kaptest.com SAT/ACT Resources SAT Change Resources www.kaptest.com/satchange Where Do I Register for the SAT/ACT? www.collegeboard.com www.act.org Your College Counselors