The Greater East Texas College Night is scheduled for Monday, September 25, 6:30 to 8 pm at Maude Cobb Convention Center. This is a free event!!! - sign up now at: www.gotocollegefairs.com.

 

Sophomores: SIGN UP NOW FOR THE DIGITAL PSAT/NMSQT

 

 

DIGITAL PSAT/NMSQT - Sophomores

WHEN: OCTOBER 11, 2023

COST: $20 Cash

SIGN UP IN OFFICE WITH Mrs. Childers (Max 60 Students) – NOW THROUGH SEPT 11th

 

Before Test Day

Content on the PSAT/NMSQT is very similar to the SAT, with Reading and Writing and Math sections.

 

Learn What's on the PSAT/NMSQT

 

To prepare, full-length adaptive digital PSAT/NMSQT practice is available on the Bluebook™ app. More resources are available at the Official Digital SAT Prep on Khan Academy.

 

Start Practicing

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PSAT/NMSQT Practice

Khan Academy

Official Digital SAT Prep on Khan Academy^® is also a good resource for the PSAT/NMSQT. It's free, comprehensive, and available to all students.

 

Go to Khan Academy

 

Practice with Bluebook™

Take a free, full-length practice test on Bluebook, or try a few sample questions in the test preview.

 

Download Bluebook

 

Practice Tests

Get free, downloadable practice tests online or on paper.

 

Start Practicing

 

What to Bring on PSAT/NMSQT Test Day – OCT 11

There are only a few things you really need to bring on test day, and a lot of things you'll be better off leaving at home. Be sure to bring:

• Your fully charged device. You must have the app installed and exam setup complete before test day if you're testing with a personal device.
• A power cord and/or a portable charger. We cannot guarantee you’ll have access to an outlet during testing. Your device should be able to hold a charge for 3–4 hours.
• A pencil or pen.
• Scratch paper will be provided—do not bring your own.
• An approved calculator. There’s a graphing calculator built into the app, but you can bring your own if you like.
• An external mouse if you use one.
• An approved photo ID if you’re homeschooled or if you’ll be testing at a school that is different from the one you usually attend.

Nice to Have

• A watch (without an audible alarm).
• Extra batteries for your calculator and backup equipment—you'll have to ask for permission to access them. They can’t be on your desk during the test.
• A bag or backpack.
• A drink or snacks (for your break).

Prohibited Devices

• Phones smartwatches, fitness trackers, or other wearable technology (simple digital non-smartwatches or analog watches are acceptable)
• Audio players, Bluetooth devices (like wireless earbuds/headphones), or any other electronic devices (except your testing device)
• Detachable privacy screens
• External keyboards for use with laptops or Chromebooks
• Any cameras, recording device, or timer
• Notes, books, or any other reference materials (except as approved as an English language learner support for in-school administrations)
• Compasses, rulers, protractors, or cutting devices
• Headphones, earbuds, or earplugs
• Unacceptable calculators that have computer-style (QWERTY) keyboards, use paper tape, make noise, or use a power cord
• Weapons or firearms

Penalties for Prohibited Devices - If your prohibited electronic device makes noise in your possession or you are seen with it at any time, including during breaks, you may be dismissed immediately, your scores may be canceled, and the device may be confiscated and its contents inspected.

 

How the PSAT/NMSQT Is Structured

The PSAT/NMSQT takes 2 hours and 14 minutes and consists of 2 sections: (1) the Reading and Writing Section, and (2) the Math Section. Most of the questions are multiple choice, though some math questions ask you to write in the answer rather than select it.

The following table shows how much time you get for each section and the number of questions for each test:

Section	Length (Minutes)	Number of Questions/Tasks
Reading & Writing	64	54
Math	70	44
Total	134	98

 

The Reading and Writing Section: Overview

The Reading and Writing section includes 54 questions evenly divided between 2 modules. You have 32 minutes to answer the questions in each module (~1 minute and 11 seconds per question). To help you budget your time, questions that test similar skills and knowledge are grouped together and arranged from easiest to hardest.

What the Reading and Writing Section Questions Are Like

The Reading and Writing section of the digital PSAT/NMSQT is designed to measure your success with building critical college and career readiness in literacy. In this section, you'll answer multiple-choice questions requiring you to read, comprehend, and use information and ideas in texts; analyze the craft and structure of texts; revise texts to improve the rhetorical expression of ideas; and edit texts to follow core conventions of Standard English.

Passages in this section, which serve as the basis for answering test questions, represent the subject areas of literature, history/social studies, the humanities, and science. There is a single question per passage.

Select questions in this section are accompanied by an informational graphic.

The questions in the Reading and Writing section fall into four broad categories:

1. Craft and Structure

Questions in this domain measure the comprehension, vocabulary, analysis, synthesis, and reasoning skills and knowledge needed to:

• Understand and use high-utility words and phrases in context.
• Evaluate the structure and purpose of texts.
• Make connections between topically related texts.

2. Information and Ideas

Questions in this domain measure comprehension, analysis, and reasoning skills and knowledge and the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, and integrate information to:

• Evaluate central ideas and details.
• Show command of evidence from text, tables, bar graphs, and line graphs.
• Make inferences.

3. Standard English Conventions

Questions in this domain measure the ability to edit text to conform to core conventions of Standard English sentence structure, usage, and punctuation.

4. Expression of Ideas

Questions in this domain measure the ability to revise texts to improve the effectiveness of written expression and to meet specific rhetorical goals.

PSAT/NMSQT VocabularyThe PSAT/NMSQT doesn’t require you to learn unusual or difficult vocabulary words. The words you’ll be asked about come up often in college-level reading and in professional life.

In addition, the PSAT/NMSQT also doesn’t ask you to define a word without any context to guide you. All of the words you’ll be asked about appear in the context of reading passages, so you can use context clues to guide you to the best answer.

If you build your vocabulary by learning the meaning and usage of words that appear most often in college-level assignments, you’ll have a much easier time with the test. In particular, you won't have to spend time guessing from context what a word might mean. If you recognize vocabulary words on sight, you'll read passages faster and with greater confidence.

The Math Test: OverviewThe Math section includes 44 questions evenly divided between 2 modules. You have 35 minutes to answer the questions in each module (~1 minute and 35 seconds per question). Across each module, questions are arranged from easiest to hardest, allowing you to have the best opportunity to demonstrate what you know and can do. An acceptable calculator can be used on the entire Math section of the test.

What the Digital Math Section Is Like

The Math section of the digital PSAT/NMSQT is designed to measure your success with building critical college and career readiness knowledge and skills in math. It focuses on key elements of algebra, advanced math, problem-solving and data analysis, and geometry and trigonometry. Over the course of the Math section, you'll answer multiple-choice and student-produced response questions that measure your fluency with, understanding of, and ability to apply the math concepts, skills, and practices that are most essential.

Approximately 30% of Math questions are set in context. These in-context "word" questions require you to consider a science, social studies, or real-world scenario and apply your math skills and knowledge, along with an understanding of the context, to determine the answer to each.

Select questions in this section are accompanied by an informational graphic.

Questions in the Math section fall into four content domains:

1. Algebra

Questions in this domain measure the ability to analyze, fluently solve, and create linear equations and inequalities as well as analyze and fluently solve equations and systems of equations using multiple techniques. Questions include:

• Linear equations in 1 variable
• Linear equations in 2 variables
• Linear functions
• Systems of 2 linear equations in 2 variables
• Linear inequalities in 1 or 2 variables

2. Advanced Math

Questions in this domain measure skills and knowledge central for progression to more advanced math courses, including demonstrating an understanding of absolute value, quadratic, exponential, polynomial, rational, radical, and other nonlinear equations. Questions include:

• Equivalent expressions
• Nonlinear equations in 1 variable and systems of equations in 2 variables
• Nonlinear functions

3. Problem-Solving and Data Analysis

Questions in this domain measure the ability to apply quantitative reasoning about ratios, rates, and proportional relationships; understand and apply unit rate; and analyze and interpret 1- and 2-variable data. Questions include:

• Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and units
• Percentages, 1-variable data
• Distributions and measures of center and spread
• 2-variable data: models and scatterplots
• Probability and conditional probability
• Inference from sample statistics and margin of error
• Evaluating statistical claims: observational studies and experiments

4. Geometry and Trigonometry

Questions in this domain measure the ability to solve problems that focus on area and volume; angles, triangles, and trigonometry; and circles. Questions include:

• Area and volume
• Lines, angles, and triangles
• Right triangles and trigonometry
• Circles

PSAT/NMSQT Calculator Use

Calculators are important tools, and to succeed after high school, you’ll need to know how—and when—to use them. In the Math section of the test, you'll focus on complex modeling and reasoning, using your calculator to save time. You're allowed to use a calculator on all questions in the Math section. The digital test platform itself has a built-in graphing calculator that you can use if you wish, or you can use your own approved calculator. The choice you make should be based primarily on which tool you’re more comfortable with. We recommend that you try out both options during your practice.

However, like any tool, the calculator is only as smart as the person using it. The Math section includes some questions where it's better not to use a calculator, even though you’re allowed to. In these cases, students who make use of structure or their ability to reason will probably finish before students who use a calculator.

Calculator Rules

• Bring your own calculator. You can’t share one.
• You may not use a calculator while working on the Reading and Writing section. You must put the calculator away during these modules of the test.
• You'll be dismissed and your scores canceled if you use your calculator to share information during the test, or to remove test questions or answers from the test room.

Calculator Tips

• If you’re not familiar with the Desmos calculator that's embedded in the digital test, take some time to learn how to use it while taking a practice test on the Bluebook™ app or on a Desmos Graphing Calculator preview experience.
• If you prefer to bring your own calculator, don't bring a brand-new calculator. Bring one you know. Practice for the test using the same calculator you’ll use on test day.
• The Math section includes some questions where it's better not to use a calculator, even though you’re allowed to.
• It may help to do scratch work on the scratch paper provided. Get your thoughts down before using your calculator.
• Make sure your calculator is in good working order and that the batteries are fresh. If your calculator fails during testing and you have no backup, you can continue testing using the built-in Desmos graphing calculator.

Using the Built-In Desmos Graphing Calculator

The embedded calculator available for test takers in Bluebook is the Desmos Graphing Calculator, a fully digital, accessible graphing calculator used for computational, graphing, statistical, and other mathematical purposes. You may already be familiar with the Desmos calculator from your classes, as it's an application commonly used in education as well as in other fields.

The Desmos Graphing Calculator embedded in Bluebook mimics the experience users see at desmos.com/calculator, except that images, folders, and notes (usually available via the plus mark button—i.e., the Add Icon button atop the expression list) are removed in the testing calculator.

Acceptable Calculators

If you have a calculator with characters that are one inch or higher, or if your calculator has a raised display that might be visible to other test takers, you will be seated at the discretion of the test coordinator.

Only battery-operated, handheld equipment can be used for testing. No power cords are allowed for calculators.

Calculators permitted during testing include:

• Most graphing calculators issued by your school
• All scientific calculators
• All four-function calculators (not recommended)

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STEPS TO TAKE IF PURSUING ENROLLMENT IN A KILGORE COLLEGE DUAL CREDIT COURSE AND ARE TSI TESTING ON THE SPRING HILL CAMPUS OR ON THE KILGORE COLLEGE (LONGVIEW) CAMPUS.

Apply Online to Kilgore College:

1. Go to kilgore.edu
2. Highlight FUTURE STUDENTS
3. Highlight NEW STUDENTS- START HERE
4. Highlight ADMISSIONS FOR DUAL CREDIT STUDENTS
5. Scroll down and click button for DUAL CREDIT APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION
6. Fill out application and WAIT for your KC ID# to be EMAILED to you (Use an email address you check often)
7. Check your email often for your KC ID#
8. When you receive your KC ID#... put the number in the “Notes” of your phone or somewhere SAFE! You will need this number over and over again!
9. While Waiting on Your KC ID#:
10. Go to your counselor and get a DUAL CREDIT CONTRACT. This contract must be signed by you and your parent – Turn the Dual Credit Contract in to your Counselor.

After You Receive Your KC ID#: FOLLOW EITHER OPTION 1 OR OPTION 2 BELOW

Option 1: 1.       Go see your counselor to sign up to take the TSI test at SHHS. 2023-24 Tests Dates:       Oct 18 Nov 15 Jan 24 Feb 14 Mar 20, 27 April 17 May 1 2.      Complete the PAA Assignment and bring your completion certificate to Mrs. Williamson before test day. 3.      Pay for your TSI Test: $20.00 (WHOLE TEST) $10.00 (SINGLE SECTION/RETEST)	Option 2:      1.       BE AT A COMPUTER THAT YOU CAN PRINT FROM      2.       Got to www.tsipreview.com/welcome/KilgoreCollege      3.       Click the GET STARTED button      4.       Click the NEXT button      5.       Fill out the demographic information USE THE SAME EMAIL ADDRESS YOU USED ON YOUR DUAL CREDIT APPLICATION AND YOU MUST KNOW YOUR KC ID# IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THIS STEP.      6.       Make sure you accept the TSI PAA User Agreement and go to STEP 2      7.       Complete the TSI Pre Assessment Activity (PAA) and PRINT a copy of your certificate (This will be emailed to you at the email address you entered. You must turn in this certificate when signing up to take the TSI)
Show up on time on your scheduled test day to C105/C103 Computer Lab	Go IN PERSON TO KILGORE COLLEGE To Schedule your TSI Test – COST $40
*Once you have proven college readiness with your TSI SCORES- see your counselor for registration paperwork.  YOU will take this registration paperwork to KC to enroll into the courses. After you have registered…you will need to pay for your courses (see payment info)	On Test Day - BRING WITH YOU THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION/ITEMS: 1.       KC ID # 2.       PAA CERTIFICATE (You printed this out when you took the TSI pre assessment) 3.       $40.00 if you are taking both parts of the TSI/$20.00 if you are taking only one part of the TSI 4.       PICTURE ID- OR YOUR PLAN TO GET AN ID (You must have a picture ID on testing day. IE: Driver’s License, Permit, etc) 5.       You are now signed up and ready to take the TSI AT KILGORE COLLEGE (Longview or Kilgore Location)

 

TSI TUTORIALS – https://accuplacerpractice.collegeboard.org

TSI LEARNING RESOURCES: https://accuplacer.pearsonperspective.com/perspective/home?passCode=ACCUPLACER_family

TSI: Passing Standards: Math- 950          ELAR - 945 with Essay Score of 5

• If you passed the TSI Assessment you are now ready to see your counselor for registration paperwork and a copy of your transcript (You cannot register for any Kilgore College class while in high school without this paperwork from your counselor!) 

TSIA2 Scores:

The College Board has graciously created a portal for students to use to retrieve their TSIA/Accuplacer test scores: 

 

Student Portal

https://studentportal.accuplacer.org/?SFMC_cid=EM106580-&rid=47693047#/home

 

To access your TSIA2 Scores online after you leave the testing room, you will need to know your unique SHHS Student ID.  This ID is different from your KC ID.  Please put this into the notes of your phone so that when you graduate from high school and move on you will be able to pull up your TSI scores to show your prospective college/university your passing TSI Scores. You would have also used a PERSONAL EMAIL ACCOUNT.