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THE PSAT
WHAT IS IN IT FOR
YOU?
WHAT CAN YOU
GAIN FROM IT?
WHY SHOULD YOU CARE
ABOUT THE PSAT?
This gives you first hand experience in taking a standardized test.
Taking the PSAT will also help you with dealing with strict time
limits.
This helps you gauge how well you’ll do on the SAT and compare
your skill level with other students nationwide.
According to recent studies, students who take the PSAT as a
sophomore or junior score 233 points higher on their SAT.
WHY SHOULD YOU CARE
ABOUT THE PSAT?
Helps you create a plan to succeed when taking the SAT.
You have the chance to qualify for scholarships and recognition
programs such as the National Honor Society.
You can earn up to $2,500.00 dollars in scholarships.
Helps you figure out a possible career path based on what areas
you are strong in.
WHAT IS ON THE PSAT?
Two 25 minute Critical Reading sections.
Two 25 minute Math sections- Able to use a calculator.
One 30 minute Writing Skills section.
The entire test lasts two hours and ten minutes.
While taking the test, it is more important to focus on the subject
area as opposed to the time limits.
CRITICAL READING
This section is broken down into parts which consist of “sentence
completion” and “passage-based readings.”
There are 13 sentence completion questions in this section.
• Tips:
• Read the entire sentence to yourself
• Be mindful of connecting words such as “but”, “not”, or “because.”
• In sentences containing two blanks, make sure the answers make
sense for both blanks.
• Before marking your answer, read the complete sentence to yourself.
CRITICAL READING
There are 35 “passage-based reading questions.
• Tips:
• Do not skip introductions to passages.
• Read each passage and any related information.
• Make notes for yourself but do not devote too much time to
this.
• Select the choice that best answers the question asked. Don’t
select just because it is a true statement.
• It could be beneficial to read through the questions first before
reading the passage.
CRITICAL READING
Example of Sentence Completion:
• The practice of storytelling for entertainment and instruction was at
one time so widespread that it was virtually ---- .
(A) rigorous
(B) universal
(C) elevating
(D) uncommon
(E) unknown
MATH
There will be two 25-minute math sections which will total 38
questions.
• One section will consist of 28 multiple-choice math questions.
• The second section will consist of 10 student-produced
responses.
Tips:
• Look at the answer choices before you begin to work on each
question.
• Read each question carefully, don’t let the form of the questions
keep you from answering it.
• If you do not see your answer, try writing it in a different format.
MATH
Sample question for the multiple choice portion of the test:
• If xy = 2 and xy 2 = 8, what is the value of x ?
(A) 1/2
(B) 2
(C) 4
(D) 8
(E) 16
(from the October 17, 1998 test)
WRITING SKILLS
Tips:
• Read the entire sentence carefully but quickly.
• Look at all the choices (A through D) to see whether
anything needs to be changed.
• Don’t waste time searching for errors in the sentences.
(If you notice there are not errors, select answer E)
• Choose the best answer from among the choices given,
even if you can imagine another correct response.
WRITING SKILLS
Sample Question:
• Gordon Parks is almost as skillful a writer as he is a
director.
• (A) almost as skillful a writer as he is a director
(B) almost equally skilled, whether a writer or a director
(C) of the same skill as a writer and as a director, almost
(D) a skillful director, with almost as much skill in
writing
(E) skilled as a director and almost so skilled in writing
TEST PREPARATION
Take multiple practice tests leading up to the test date.
When taking the practice tests, work on each section separately.
Specifically block off individual times to take Critical Reading, Math, and
Writing Skills.
You can find practice tests online. http://www.petersons.com/collegesearch/free-psat-practice-test.aspx
You can find a different sample question every day online.
http://www.collegeboard.com
TEST PREPARATION
Before the test date, learn the directions to each section. How
could this benefit you?
Instead of using scratch paper, use your test book to work out
answers.
Try educated guessing- Who can tell me what this means?
You’re better off leaving an answer blank as opposed to taking a
uneducated guess for a question you don’t know the answer to.
TEST PREPARATION
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IMPORTANT DATES
The PSAT test dates are Wednesday October 17th and
Saturday October 20th which you will take in school during the
day.
On average, you will receive your test results approximately
in a month or month and a half. (I’m not sure on this so any
clarification would be appreciated.)
BEFORE THE TEST
In your opinion, what are some things to
do the night before the test?
What should you do the morning of the
test?
BEFORE THE TEST
Make sure to get a good nights sleep the night before. This will
ensure that you are focused and not tired while taking the test. You
don’t want this to be you. --------->>>>
It is imperative to eat a light dinner the night before and eat a light
but filling breakfast. (I.E. Yogurt, Oatmeal, Cereal, Fruit)
THE BIG DAY
What to bring:
• Two No. 2 pencils
• An approved calculator
• UCTECH school issued I.D.
Do not bring:
• Any kind of alarm clock
• Cell phone, Smart phone, Tablet, IPod, or Laptops (No one wants to hear
your new ‘hot’ ringtone or cool notification sound while taking the test.)
• Dictionaries or any other books
• Food and beverages unless there is a medical reason why you need it. In
this situation, we need a doctor’s note.
QUESTIONS?