Everything you wanted to know about the PSAT

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Dear Dr. Fournier:My son's school recently sent a notice home saying he would be taking the PSAT on October 15th. What is the PSAT and what do I need to do? ASSESSMENTThe PSAT/NMSQT is the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. It is given to students in the 10th grade and is composed of three parts: Mathematics, Critical Reading and Writing. Because it is given before many students have taken Algebra II it does not include this nor does it ask students to write an essay. The goal of the test is to identify those students that score in the 99th percentile of their region in the country, meaning students that score higher than 99 of every 100 students who take the test within their geographical region. The actual score needed to reach the 99th percentile varies in different regions in the country. Students that score in the 99th percentile receive letters a year later saying they are National Merit Semifinalists. They are then asked to send in their GPA and complete an application. If all is in order, they are regarded National Merit Scholars. This makes them much more eligible for college scholarships.Students that fall in the range of the 96th to 98th percentile receive letters that indicate they are Commended National Merit Finalists. Although not National Merit Scholars, they are still able to use this to show their superior abilities on college applications. To apply to college, students must provide their Cumulative Grade Point Average (CUM GPA). This is the average of all their final grades at the time the application is submitted. Usually this includes 9th, 10th, 11th and half of 12th year grades. In addition to this, students must take a college entrance exam. There are two tests: the SAT and the ACT. Some students take both, even though one is enough. WHAT TO DOAt this late date, there is nothing you can do. Parents with 9th graders should get a practice book and have their children prepare for the Critical Reading portion. Also, students that completed Algebra I in 8th grade and geometry in the 9th grade will always have a heads up on the student that is still taking his/her first semester of geometry in 10th grade. However, there is something about this test that can benefit everyone who takes it. Not only are able to get your child's test score sent to you from the company (your school can request this or you can over the Internet or phone), you can also get what he or she answered on each question as well as the original booklet they used. This is priceless. It can help your child find out if they missed questions due to a lack of knowledge or due to a lack of strategy. Make sure your son's school will provide this to you and make sure your child is able to offer you an explanation for each question missed. This will show him whether he needs to learn more content, be more strategic, or both. When he takes his ACT and/or SAT for college admission, remember that the will have Algebra I and II questions on it and he will have to write an essay following the formulaic process the an essay requires. Make sure your child also takes the PLAN this year, which is the practice test for the ACT. This will help him decide which test he favors his strengths. Again ask for the answer sheet as well as the booklet. (Write Dr. Yvonne Fournier, Fournier Learning Strategies Inc., 5900 Poplar, Memphis, Tenn. 38119. E-mail her at drfournier(at)hfhw.net)