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
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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