RUSD COLLEGE WEEK 2018

An Overview of the PSAT and

Next Steps for Success

What is the PSAT?

RUSD is offering the PSAT to all 7th-11th grade students to help

build a District-wide college-going culture, and to

provide students with a glimpse at their overall strengths and

weaknesses in topics necessary for college success.

The Preliminary SAT, also known as the PSAT (PSAT/NMSQT -

National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test for 11th grade), is a

preparatory version of the SAT exam that assesses students’

reading, writing, and math skills.

Students can only take the PSAT once per year. If students earn a

high score on the PSAT their junior year, they could qualify to receive a National Merit Scholarship—$180

million dollars in merit scholarships are awarded to

students each year!

What is the PSAT?

The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) -★ Helps students start planning a path to college★ Exposes students to the different kinds of questions commonly

found on higher-stakes tests in the years to come★ Provides opportunities for students to glimpse one’s college

readiness, including their strengths and weaknesses ★ Provides 10th/11th grade students specific practice for the SAT★ Connects students o free, personalized SAT-preparation from

Khan Academy★ Connects students to potential colleges and scholarship

opportunities

Why does the PSAT matter?

Students who take the PSAT multiple times tend to score higher on the actual SAT, which is the entrance exam many colleges and universities use to help make their college admission decisions.

The PSAT is highly relevant to students’ future success because it focuses on the skills and knowledge at the heart of education.

The PSAT measures:● What you learn in high school● What you need to succeed in

college

The best way to prepare for the PSAT each year is to:● Take challenging courses● Do your homework● Prepare for tests and quizzes● Ask and answer lots of questions

So, if you want to go to

college...

Colleges use multiple measures to find the students that are the “best fit” for their school, and to determine which students will have the best chance at success.

What multiple measures do colleges use?

★ GRADES

★ TEST SCORES

★ EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

★ RECOMMENDATIONS

Multiple Measures

1. Grades• GPA • Class Rank

2. Test Scores• SAT• ACT

3. Extracurricular Activities• Clubs• Community Service• Sports• Enrichment

4. Recommendations• Variety

Know Where You StandReview your transcripts★ Check course grades★ Check test scores★ Monitor graduation status

completion

★ Look at the bottom for your current GPA and Rank

So, if you want to go to

college...

UCs, CSUs, Privates, and Out-of-State Colleges all have different entrance requirements regarding grades, test scores, and courses.

Start your research early

★ Online

★ College Visits

★ Career Center College Visits

★ Attend Career Fairs

RUSD College and Career Fair

Wednesday, October 10th

Redlands High School - Terrier Gym

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Use College Board’s - BigFuture

• Find colleges by doing College Search or search by College Name

• Click on Applying

• Click the SAT & ACT Scores Tab

• Scroll down to view SAT Mid-Range Test Scores

How do you create a College

Board Account?

The College Board is an organization that connects students to college

success and opportunity. Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students

prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services

in college readiness and college success — including the SAT and the

Advanced Placement Program.

Why is it important to have a College Board Account?

★ Access to PSAT/SAT and AP Scores

★ Free personalized SAT- preparation through Khan Academy

★ Ease of sending test scores to colleges

★ Register for exams and print exam admission tickets

★ Manage personal college list★ Save scholarship searches★ Compare college costs and

programs

Your College Board Account

● Go to www.collegeboard.org

● Sign in or Sign up

Sign Up Instructions…

● Sign Up if you have never created a College Board account. Fill in all blanks correctly.

https://account.collegeboard.org/login/signUp

Creating a College Board Log In

● Create a Username and Password● Suggested -

Username: State Student ID

(ex. 1234567890)

Password: First Name, First 3 of

Last Name, .First 5 SSID

(ex. stephanieloc.12345)

Pair your College Board Account to Khan Academy!

Step 1● Visit satpractice.org and create a Khan

Academy account.

Step 2● When prompted, agree to link your Khan

Academy and College Board accounts. You will then be directed to collegeboard.org.

Step 3● Sign in or create a College Board account.

Step 4● When prompted, hit “Send” to authorize the

account linking.

Step 5● Start practicing on Official SAT® Practice on

Khan Academy!

Other uses for your College Board account?

● Explore Colleges & Careers with BigFutures (ACCESS)● View AP Potential…Scores… AP credit policies● Register for the SAT (junior year)

Not yet sure about your college and career plan?

★ College Board and Khan Academy is still a great tool○ Improving your reading, writing, and math skills will still help

with high school ○ The better your reading, writing, and math skills, the better your

potential and success at work, a trade school, community college, 4-year university, and LIFE!

Looking Forward

★ Give the PSAT your best effort - now and in future years

★ Focus on opportunities - in and out of the classroom★ Every semester counts - starting NOW

■ Keep an eye on your grades…ask for help when needed… turn in your work ON TIME.. and study!

■ Volunteer■ Join a club and hold a leadership position■ Form meaningful relationships with teachers, coaches, and/or

supervisors - these are future recommendations■ Look for enrichment opportunities (ex. summer camps)■ PRACTICE FOR THE SAT

★ Use your resources

RUSD Resources

★ Visit the Career Center - explore your career interests and take advantage of college visits/information

★ Explore school site websites

★ Visit www.redlandsusd.net/collegeandcareer ○ This PowerPoint is posted under PSAT/SAT testing

Dr. Stephanie LockCoordinator of College, Career, and Special ProgramsWebsite: www.redlandsusd.net/collegeandcareerEmail: stephanie_lock@redlands.k12.ca.us Phone: 909-307-5300 extension 20305Twitter: @RUSD_CTE