Madison High School
Free PSAT Test for 10th grade
October 19, 2016
EQ:
What skills and strategies will help you score higher
on the PSAT?
Please write the EQ in your planner and Cornell
Notes!
What is the PSAT/NMSQT?
Pre Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit
Qualifying Scholarship Test
The PSAT/NMSQT is one way to measure your ability
to understand elements of reading, writing, and math.
It focuses on knowledge and skills that support college
and career readiness.
Why does Madison give this test?
State law requires that every 10th grader be given the
opportunity to take the PSAT.
What are the benefits to you?
● Can be used to meet Essential Skill requirements: 24
in Reading, 24.5 in Math
● Practice for the SAT (many colleges require either
the SAT or the ACT)
● Identifies students with high potential to excel in AP
classes.
● Provides a career assessment and online exploration
of colleges and career opportunities
Before the Test
The best way to prepare for any college entrance test is to:
● Take challenging courses
● Do your homework
● Prepare for tests and quizzes
● Read actively
● Ask and answer lots of questions
In short, take charge of your education and learn as much
as you can. YOU CAN START THIS ANY TIME!
7 Strategies for Taking the Test
1. The correct answer is in front of you. You just
have to find it. Relax and focus if you can.
2. All questions are worth the same points. Easy or
difficult. So skip the hard ones and come back to
them later.
3. There’s a penalty for wrong answers, so try to
eliminate obvious wrong choices before guessing.
That improves your chances of choosing right.
According to the College Board website, “getting only
half the questions right and not answering the rest
will still earn an above-average score.”
Are you bubbling correctly?
4. Check numbers on the answer sheet with the
numbers on the question often.
Strategies
5. Read the instructions carefully and don’t
assume you know the format of the test.
Strategies
6. Use the test book as scratch paper for your
calculations.
Strategies
7. Be sure to read ALL the answer choices before making a
decision and marking your answer sheet.
Free Test Prep
● Khan Academy has a free SAT prep site. You can use
it to practice for the PSAT or SAT, then upload your
PSAT scores to get a personalized program designed
to help you fill in your gaps and earn a higher score.
To bring, and not to bring
BRING YOUR STUDENT ID.
Bring two No. 2 pencils with erasers and a graphing
or scientific calculator (if you have one).
Don’t bring food, beverages, dictionaries, rulers,
compasses, pamphlets/papers, highlighters, or
devices for listening, recording, copying or taking
photos (including watches and cellphones with
cameras).
The Reading Test
Quick Facts
● All questions are multiple choice and based on
passages.
● Some passages are paired with other passages.
● Informational graphics, such as tables, graphs,
and charts, accompany some passages — but no
math is required.
● Prior topic-specific knowledge is never tested.
Writing and Language Test
Quick Facts
● All questions are multiple choice and based on
passages.
● Some passages are accompanied by informational
graphics, such as tables, graphs, and charts — but
no math is required.
● Prior topic knowledge is never tested.
The Math Test
Focus
The Math Test will focus on three areas of math important to
many college majors and careers:
● Heart of Algebra, linear equations and systems.
● Problem Solving and Data Analysis
● Passport to Advanced Math, complex equations.
● Additional Topics in Math, including the geometry and
trigonometry most relevant to college and career readiness.
Math Test
Most math questions will be multiple choice, but some —
called grid-ins — ask you to come up with the answer rather
than select the answer.
The Math Test is divided into two portions:
Math Test – Calculator
Math Test – No Calculator
Some parts of the test include several questions about a single
scenario.
Gridding in Numbers
Example:
Healthy Testing
● Eat a healthy meal the night before.
● Get a good night’s sleep (7-8 hours).
● Wake up early enough to be wide awake and functioning.
● Eat a good breakfast, high in protein, not sugar.
● Wear comfortable clothing. Dress in layers.
● Arrive to the test early so you can relax before the test begins
● Have a positive attitude!
What do you know? Consult your notes and share.
What skills and strategies will help you
score higher on the PSAT?