What is the Plan/ Reasons to Take the Plan                                                         

The Most Common Reasons Students take the PSAT/NMSQT    

                                    The Five Major Types of Tests

1. PLAN – Preliminary American College Test (ACT Program)

Given in October to high school sophomores.  Similar format as ACT.  Useful as an indicator of ACT scores and as test practice.  Includes an occupational interest inventory as part of the test.  An interpretive guide and the test results are distributed in an evening parent program.  Registration deadline is October 21.  Test date is October 29.  Registration fee is $17.00.

      2.   PSAT/NMSQT – Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit

            Scholarship Qualifying Test (CEEB Test Program)

Given in October to high school Juniors.  Similar format as SAT.  Useful as an indicator of SAT scores and as test practice.  The basis of some merit scholarships.  A source of some college mailing.

      3.   SAT – Reasoning Test

A college entrance exam that consists of three general test areas:  Critical  Reading (sentence completion and passage-based reading),  Math (arithmetic & algebraic concepts and geometric concepts) and Writing (multiple choice questions and an essay).  There are several test dates throughout the school year.  Recommended test dates for Juniors are May or June.  If students wish to repeat this test in the Senior year, the recommended test dates are October or  November.

      4.   SAT – Subject Tests

One-hour tests measuring knowledge and ability to apply that knowledge in specific subject areas.   You may take up to three tests on one test date and there is a separate fee for each test.  Many four-year colleges require two SAT Subject Tests.  Tests are offered in Literature, Math Level I, Math Level 2, Biology E/M (Ecological or Molecular), Chemistry, Physics, United States History, World History, French, German, Modern Hebrew, Italian, Latin and Spanish.  Additional language tests with listening portions are offered at other area high schools in German, Spanish, French, Japanese, Chinese and Korean.  See your Counselor if interested.  Costs vary with the tests you take.  Recommended test date is:  June 3.  Registration deadline:  April 28.  Upon completion of a subject area, a student may wish to take the appropriate SAT II.  For example, upon completion of Biology, the student may wish to take the Biology SAT Subject Test.  Check with your School Counselor.

5. ACT – Assessment – American College Testing Program (ACT Program)

A college entrance exam that consists of four test areas:  English, Mathematics, Reading & Science Reasoning.  An optional essay component is included.  Many four-year colleges will require the optional essay component.  Check with your school counselor for additional information.  There are several test dates throughout the school year.  Recommended test dates for Juniors are April or June.  If students wish to repeat this test in the Senior year, the recommended test date is October.

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WHAT IS THE PLAN?

The PLAN is an opportunity to practice a college entrance exam similar to the American College Test (ACT).  You will be tested in the following areas:  Writing Skills, Mathematics, Reading and Science Reasoning.  In addition the PLAN includes an interest inventory – a list of various activities related to different kinds of work.  Your answers to the interest inventory will provide clues to the types of jobs you might want to consider.  Finally, there are some items that ask for basic facts about you, your plans and your needs.

Your PLAN results will be summarized on a report prepared especially for you.  These results will be distributed and explained in an evening program for you and your family.

               REASONS TO TAKE THE PLAN

            The PLAN is a practice opportunity to become familiar with the format of the ACT as well as the type of information upon which you will be tested.  Your PLAN results will assist you to get a good sense of where you are now, your academic skills and abilities, your interests in different kinds of careers and your unique needs, plans and goals.

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The most common reasons students take the PSAT/NMSQT:

•                          to receive feedback on one’s strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study. Students can then focus their preparation on those areas that could most benefit from additional study or practice.

•                          to see how one’s performance on an admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college.

•                          to enter the competition for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (grade 11).

•                          to help prepare for the SAT. Students can become familiar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions you will see on the SAT.

•                          to receive information from colleges when enrolled in the Student Search Service.

From the makers of the PSAT

• The PSAT/NMSQT is one of a student’s first official steps on the road to college.  It encourages students to start planning for life after high school by either jumpstarting their college search process or for some, introducing them to the concept of attending college.
• On average, students who take the PSAT/NMSQT earn higher scores on the SAT than those who do not.  One reason: the tests have the same formats, directions, sample questions and question types.
• The PSAT/NMSQT Score Report gives students personalized feedback on their test performance, including suggestions on how to improve specific academic skills.
• By taking the test, juniors may be eligible to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s scholarship competitions, as well as programs that give special recognition to high-achieving Hispanic and African American students.
• Student Search Service offers PSAT/NMSQT test takers the option to receive admissions and financial aid information from colleges, universities and scholarship programs
• With the PSAT/NMSQT, students get an early look at how their academic skills compare with those from a national group of college bound students.

PSAT/NMSQT EXTRAS

Students who take the PSAT/NMSQT will be provided with free access to special online features at www.collegeboard.com/psatextra including:

1.         Explanations of answers to all test questions

2.       Practice for the SAT essay with a sample essay prompt and sample responses

3.       Practice on some higher level math questions from the SAT

4.   MyRoad, a comprehensive and easy to use college and career planning tool.  Through MyRoad, students will be able to take a  validated personality assessment to get a detailed report on their personality type, see a list of suggested careers and majors that fit their personality and strengths, search for colleges by location, major, cost, etc, and create an on-line portfolio for college and career planning.

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