Study Tips & Test Prep

PSAT Information

Test Date: Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Test Time: 8:00 a.m.

Participants: Sophomores and Juniors

Non-Blanchet Catholic Students Fee: $47.50 / $64.50 with essay

Materials Needed: Photo Identification, Number 2 Pencils, and a Graphing or Scientific Calculator is recommended.

(Students may not use cell phones, pocket organizers, laptops, hand-held electronic devices, or calculators with typewriter-like keypad. Students are not allowed to share calculators.)

PSAT measures critical reading, mathematics, and writing skills.

Students are to arrive on time, 8:00 a.m. sharp, to begin testing. Students who arrive late will not be able to take the PSAT due to the standards set by the College Board.

PSAT Format:

• Testing time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
• Reading Section: 60 minutes
• 5-minute Break
• Writing and Language Section: 35 minutes
• Math No Calculator Section: 25 minutes
• 5-minute Break
• Math Calculator Section: 45 minutes

Preparation for the PSAT:

• Read the Official Student Guide to the PSAT/NMSQT
• Take the full-length practice test inside the guide.
• Visit www.collegeboard.com/psat

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SAT & ACT EXAMS

 * Students may take either the SAT or the ACT exam (or both), however, most of the very selective colleges require one or the other.

Here are some resources to help you decide which test to take:

• Do I need to take the essay portion of the SAT test?
• ACT Profile for students
• Colleges requiring SAT Subject Tests
• How long does it take for colleges to receive your SAT or ACT scores?
• Class of 2016 SAT Results Nationwide
• SAT vs. ACT: Which one is best for you? (Article)
• Becas para exámenes SAT

It is usually wise to take the SAT more than once because SAT scores are generally "superscored," which means a college will count your highest score on the evidence-based reading and writing component combined with your highest score on the math portion of the test.

OTHER EXAMS

Here is information about other exams and courses that may help in the college application process:

• Advanced Placement Exams
• College Credit for Advanced Placement & College Credit Now Courses: Students who recently took an A.P. exam are likely wondering if their scores will enable them to receive college credit at the university level. To find out, log onto your College Board account, click on the "College Search" tool, and then click on the words "Academic Credit" on the left side of the screen.
  
  This link can also be used to determine whether a college awards transfer credits for College Credit Now courses (ie. Writing 121 in conjunction with Senior English Composition) or classes taken elsewhere through Willamette Promise (info. for our transfer students, perhaps).