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what is the psat/NMSQT?

The PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is given to all Plano ISD 10th graders to prepare students for both the PSAT/NMSQT given in 11th grade in addition to the SAT.

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Practice

PSAT/NMSQT provides additional practice towards the PSAT and SAT in 11th grade using performance on PSAT 9 as a guide

why psat/NMSQT matters

reports

college access

scholarships

Students receive reports after PSAT/NMSQT with areas of focus to study and improve scores

SAT scores are a part of the college admissions process, and PSAT/NMSQT continues the college search process

PSAT/NMSQT in 11th grade and the College Board Big Future can give students access to multiple levels of scholarship rewards

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All exams in the SAT Suite of Assessments (PSAT 9, PSAT/NMSQT, and SAT) all follow the same format and incorporate the same elements. Students can use reports from PSAT 9 to identify areas of focus to improve scores on the PSAT/NMSQT and the SAT.

psat/NMSQT: focusing on skill gaps

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The whole test takes 2 hours, 14 minutes

the structure of psat/NMSQT

The test is divided into 2 sections: Reading and Writing & Math

You will have 64 minutes to answer 54 reading and writing questions, and 70 minutes for 44 math questions

The PSAT/NMSQT is structured in the same way as the PSAT 9 and the SAT. Students will have the same test format in all exams in the SAT Suite of Assessments.

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psat/NMSQT

is now digital

PSAT/NMSQT is delivered via lockdown browser on Bluebook, the same app students will use for other College Board assessments, including SAT and AP.

Prior to taking PSAT/NMSQT, students will have an opportunity to log in to Bluebook to preview the experience and get familiar with how the app works.

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adaptive testing & psat/NMSQT

Each section of PSAT/NMSQT (Reading and Writing & Math) is given in 2 modules. How you perform on Module 1 affects the level of questions you receive in Module 2.

Module 1

Module 2

Score

broad mix of easy, medium, hard questions

targeted mix of questions of varying difficulties based on performance in module 1

each section = 160-760

total score = 320-1520

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Information &

Ideas

psat/NMSQT: reading and writing

Craft & Structure

Expression of Ideas

Standard English Conventions

Use comprehension, analysis, and reasoning skills and knowledge as well as what is stated and implied in texts to locate, interpret, evaluate, and integrate information and ideas. (26% of section, 12-14 questions)

Use comprehension, vocabulary, analysis, synthesis, and reasoning to use and determine meaning of academic words and phrases in context, evaluate texts rhetorically, and make supportable connections between texts. (28% of section, 13-15 questions)

Use revision skills to improve effectiveness of written expression in accordance with specified goals. (20% of test, 8-12 questions)

Use editing skills and knowledge to make text conform to core conventions of Standard English sentence structure, usage, and punctuation. (26% of test, 11-15 questions)

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Algebra

psat/NMSQT: math

Advanced Math

Problem Solving & Data Analysis

Geometry & Trigonometry

Students must analyze, fluently solve, and create linear equations and inequalities as well as analyze and fluently solve systems of equations using multiple techniques. (35% of section, 13-15 questions)

Students must analyze, fluently solve, interpret, and create equations, including absolute value, quadratic, exponential, polynomial, rational, radical, and other nonlinear equations, as well as analyze and fluently solve systems of linear and nonlinear equations in two variables. (35% of section, 13-15 questions)

Students must apply quantitative reasoning about ratios, rates, and proportional relationships; understand and apply unit rate; and analyze and interpret one- and two-variable data. (15% of section, 5-7 questions)

Students must solve problems that focus on perimeter, area and volume; angles, triangles, and trigonometry; and circles. (15% of section, 5-7 questions)

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You will get English and Math-specific information and practice throughout the school year from your teachers

how to prepare for psat/NMSQT

coursework

bluebook

khan academy

Many PSAT study and preparation resources are available free of charge and are endorsed by the College Board, the organization that creates, administers, and scores the PSAT/NMSQT.

Access full-length practice tests on the Bluebook app using your Plano ISD laptop

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