PSAT
| PSAT | |
|---|---|
| PSAT.org | |
| Next exam | October 11, 2017 |
| Sign up by | October 6, 2017 |
| Cost | $20 |
| Sign up with | Taylor |
| Location | Collegiate Commons |
| Resources | Preview & Prep |
For juniors, the PSAT is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Even qualifying is an honor, and comes with prestigious awards, as many universities offer National Merit finalists full tuition. Finalists certainly receive full room and board at any Oklahoma university (see TU's offering here).
Who should take it?
All juniors, and any sophomore interested in preparing for the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) their junior year.
How do I sign up?
Sign up before October 6th by bringing $20 to Taylor. Checks payable to TSAS.
When will it be offered?
Students will take the exam Wednesday, October 11th at 8:30.
What are the benefits?
Beyond the National Merit Scholarship, there are a number of corporate scholarships for children of employees who don’t receive a qualifying National Merit score. Check the Student Guide at nationalmerit.org for explanation and a list of participating businesses.
Additionally, all students who take the PSAT may, based on their score, be exempted from end of instruction tests in the subject(s) they qualify for. These are: Algebra II, Geometry, and English III.
What should I expect?
The PSAT is a 2 hour, 45 minute test (though we will take a break midway) of three sections: reading, writing and language, and math.[1] The reading section is entirely multiple choice, including science and contemporary fiction passages, and images.[2] Like the reading section, the writing and language test is entirely multiple choice. It asks you to correct errors in grammar, correct misinterpretations, and expression of ideas in written sentences.[3] The math portion is in two sections: one allows you to use your calculator, the other does not. Some questions are multiple choice, but a few are fill in the blank. There is a greater focus on algebra than geometry, and you are asked to answer real-world problems.[4]
In all sections there is no penalty for incorrect answers, so it is in your best interest to answer all questions.
Scores run from 160–760 each in math and reading, totaling 320–1540.
How do I prepare?
Exhaustive study is not recommended for this test, but there are many resources available at PSAT.org and Khan Academy for those interested.