PSAT 8/9 &

PSAT/NMSQT
DR. WHITE
MRS. ROBSON
Understanding the PSAT 8/9 &
PSAT/NMSQT
 SAT Suite of Assessments

A group of assessments that:

begin with PSAT 8/9 (grades 8th and 9th)
Continue with PSAT 10 (10th grade only) and
PSAT/NMSQT (grades 10th and 11th)
And culminating in the SAT (grades 11th and 12th)

Goal: measure a students progress toward college and

career readiness from grades 8 through 12
What does the PSAT 8/9 & the
PSAT/NMSQT measure?

The knowledge and skills that research shows are most essential
for college and career readiness and success at that specific age
group

Three tests that fall in two main sections

Evidence Based Reading and Writing (combined for scoring
purposes)
Math Test
How to I read the Score Report?
 Section Scores and Total Scores

PSAT 8/9 PSAT/NMSQT

Section Scores: Section Scores:
Reflects the combination (addition) of the Reflects the combination (addition) of
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing the Evidence-Based Reading &
section Writing section
Score ranges (120 720) Score ranges (160 760)
With the Math Section With the Math Section
Score ranges (120 720) Score ranges (160 760)

Total score reported ranges from (240 Total score reported ranges from
1440) (320 1520)
No penalty for guessing No penalty for guessing
Total Score & section scores
example:
The College and Career
Readiness Benchmark

Red Need to strengthen skills

Yellow- student is approaching the benchmark

Student is within one years growth

Green- the student meets or exceeds the benchmark

for college and career readiness
 How are Benchmarks Calculated?

The College and Career Readiness Benchmarks for the SAT predict a 75%
likelihood of achieving at least a C a set of first-year, credit bearing college
courses.
Students that are in the green
There are benchmarks at each section level (Math and Evidence Based
Reading and Writing)
Benchmarks are determined by observing how students grow from year to
year and adjusting the SAT benchmarks using the average rate of progress.
e.g. 8th grade PSAT 8/9 math score of 430
9th grade PSAT 8/9 math score of 450
 Test Scores

In addition to the total scores and section scores, you will see three
test scores that reflect the students performance on the content
covered in each of the tests:
Reading,
Writing & Language
Math

Range of (6 36) for the PSAT 8/9

Range of (8 38) for the PSAT/NMSQT
Cross-Test Scores

Additionally, you will see two cross-test scores. These scores

represent a students performance across the three tests that
were in the domains of either:
Analysis in History/Social Studies
Analysis in Science

Range of (6 36) for the PSAT 8/9

Range of (8 38) for the PSAT/NMSQT
Subscores for PSAT 8/9 &
PSAT/NMSQT

PSAT 8/9
Six subscores that range from (1 15). PSAT/NMSQT

These subscores offer feedback on their Seven subscores that range from (1 15). These subscores
offer feedback on their performance in the following skill
performance in the following skill areas: areas:

1. Command of Evidence 1. Command of Evidence

2. Words in Context
2. Words in Context
3. Expression of Ideas
3. Expression of Ideas 4. Standard English Conventions

4. Standard English Conventions 5. Heart of Algebra

6. Problem Solving and Data Analysis

5. Heart of Algebra
7. Passport to Advanced Math
6. Problem Solving and Data Analysis
PSAT/NMSQT example:
Other important information:
Common Score Scale

A student who takes the PSAT 8/9 and scores a 500 in the math section
would also be expected to get a 500 on the PSAT/NMSQT and the SAT if
they had taken either of those tests on the same day.
This helps you track your students growth across the suite of tests.
The test scores and the cross-test scores have been vertically scored to
allow for accurate measurement of growth from test to test
Subscores are not on a vertical scale, so comparing performance year-
to-year should be based on relative performance rather than calculated
student growth.
 Percentile Scores

Shows how you scored compared to other students; Represents the number of students
whose scores fall at or below your score

Nationally representative percentiles

Compares your score to the scores of typical US students in a particular grade
User group percentiles
Compares your score to the scores of a typical US College Board test taker in a
particular grade

e.g. 9th grade student who scores in the 57th percentile, scored higher than or
equal to 57 percent of 9th graders
What you can learn from reviewing
your answers:
National Merit Scholarship Program
 National Merit Scholarship Qualifying
Test

PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)

The NMSC Index
Double the totals from the Reading Test, Writing/Language Test and
Math Test
This index is used by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation to
designate students to be recognized in the National Merit Scholarship
Program
If there is a asterisk next to the score, the student did not meet criteria
for this program.
For entry requirements and more information, visit
www.nationalmerit.org.
Entry requirement for this program:
How to improve academic skills:
Your students next step:
AP Potential
 AP Potential

PSAT/NMSQT scores indicate the potential for success in

AP course work.

9th, 10th, and 11th grade students are identified that have
between a 60-100% likelihood of scoring a 3 or higher on AP
exams that are offered

***Students who are identified still have to take prerequisites and will be recommended by a teacher or
should complete the parent waiver process.***
 Give students the opportunity to take college-level courses while still in high school
Courses can help students achieve their college goals
Courses better prepare students for college
Allow students to take the corresponding AP Exam, which could earn them valuable college
credit and placement
Help reduce college costs
Studies have shown that students who succeed in AP perform better in college and are much
more likely than their peers to graduate from college in five years or less.
 AP classes offered at Kell

Art History Statistics

Studio Art 2D Calculus AB
Design Calculus BC
Studio Art 3D Macroeconomics
Design Psychology
English Literature Human Geography
English Language European History
Environmental US Government
Science US History
Biology World History
Physics 1 Spanish
HOPE requirements
HOPE Rigor Requirements

Four credits:
1. Advanced Math Algebra II, Pre-calculus
2. Advanced Science - Chemistry, Physics
3. Advanced Placement (AP) courses core subjects
4. Dual Enrollment/MOWR Courses
5. Advanced World Language

Visit www.GAfutures.org for more information.

How can I improve my scores?
Khan Academy

Take practice tests and upload the results to Khan Academy.

This site will analyze your skills
Give you practice questions
Help you improve your overall performance
Collegeboard.org/psatpractice
How to access your scores:
How do I access the scores online?
QUESTIONS?