Potential Magazine Fall 2015 - Florida Edition | Page 12

test prep updates What You Need to Know: The NEW PSAT & SAT Mark your calendars: October will be here sooner than we realize, and that means a redesigned PSAT. Yikes! But fear not, we’ve done the legwork to answer any questions you may have so that you and your teen won’t be blindsided by the changes and will be better equipped to tackle the tests with confidence and clarity. Check out this side-by-side comparison of the current and improved tests. Current PSAT and SAT TIME SCORING Redesigned PSAT and SAT* 2 hours, 10 mins. (PSAT) 2 hours, 45 mins. (PSAT) 3 hours, 45 mins. (SAT) 3 hours + optional 50 mins. for essay (SAT) 60 – 240 (PSAT) 20 – 80 for Critical Reading 20 – 80 for Math 20 – 80 Writing (PSAT) Some scores will be reported on the same scale used for the SAT 600 – 2400 (SAT) 200 – 800 for Critical Reading 200 – 800 for Math 200 – 800 Writing 400 – 1600 (SAT) 200 – 800 Evidence-based Reading and Writing 200 – 800 Math *2 – 8 on three traits for Essay *Results reported separately The following represent both the PSAT and SAT: A point for a correct answer, a deduction for an incorrect answer No penalty for wrong or unanswered questions FOCUS Emphasis on reasoning skills Emphasis on reasoning skills tailored to college, career readiness, and success READING Critical Reading WRITING Emphasis on vocabulary in a limited context Evidence-based Reading and Writing. Vocabulary based on an extended context. MATH Algebra, Geometry, Statistics Algebra, Geometry, Statistics ESSAY Required, 20 mins. to complete Tests writing skills Optional, 50 mins. to complete Tests ability to use sources and analyze promptly *New PSAT in 2015 and the SAT redesign is March 2016 As long as teens read, do well in their classes, and seek help in areas they are uncertain about, they should be prepared to do well not only on these tests, but also in college and their careers. “Every year, Juniors participate in PSAT testing and join the pool of entrants to the National Merit Scholarship Competition. Students wishing to succeed would benefit from taking higher level courses so as to grow their knowledge base and also to engage in tutoring outside of school in the subjects that they may 12 be weak in. For parents, a great resource is the College Board website. It provides helpful college planning tools as well as SAT test dates, information on the SAT redesign and practice materials. Ask your school counselors about it or visit www.collegeboard.org and search under SAT and PSAT.” ­­— Lara Lauterbach, Secondary Guidance Cou