FloridaLisa Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 On our list was: student ID pencils Homeschool number Questionable: drink or snack -- is this allowed? calculator -- is this allowed? Anything else? Thanks! Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 Yes you can bring a calculator. Here's a link to the college board page: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about/calculator.html Yes you can bring a snack/drink, however, you generally cannot consume them during the test itself, but you can eat during the break. Good luck to your child!! Anne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quiver0f10 Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 About how long is the PSAT test? Thanks :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle in MO Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 week. There are five sections, and hopefully these times are correct: 1. Critical Reading - 25 minutes (24 questions) 2. Mathematics - 25 minutes (20 questions) 3. Critical Reading - 25 minutes (24 questions) 4. Math - 25 minutes (18 questions) 5. Writing Skills - 30 minutes (39 questions) This is from Barron's PSAT/NMSQT 2006-2007 practice book, but I assume they're formatting everything the same way the PSAT does. So, the test should last approximately 2-1/2 hours. The first math section is multiple choice; some basic information is given, such as the formulas for circumference, area of a circle, etc. The second math section has eight multiple-choice questions and 10 questions for which the student must write out the answers: little circles with numbers, decimal points, etc., are provided. My oldest found that to be the most difficult part. The Writing Skills section is essentially choosing the best wording for a sentence (i.e., the best grammar). Bring #2 pencils (not mechanical pencils) and a good calculator. I think both older girls have the TI-83 Plus Silver Edition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
readwithem Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 Schedule 2 hours and 45 minutes for the administration. Total testing time for the five test sections is 2 hours and 10 minutes; students will need an additional 35 minutes for related activities. This is the PDF for test administrators - http://professionals.collegeboard.com/profdownload/psat-nmsqt-supervisors-manual.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
readwithem Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 I'm sending my dd with a sweater (she's cold natured) and a cell phone to call me when she's done :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 Have her be very careful of her cell phone. If it should ring during the test, they can have her leave and her test will be discarded. Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle in MO Posted October 14, 2008 Share Posted October 14, 2008 you might double-check to see if they even allow cell phones. When my oldest took the ACT, she was not allowed to have her cell phone anyone on her person. I guess cheating is so rampant that students have been able to text message answers to other students, so they've clamped down on cell phone use. Just a precaution, but I would double-check. If necessary, she can always use the school phone to call you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
readwithem Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 Have her be very careful of her cell phone. If it should ring during the test, they can have her leave and her test will be discarded. Regards, Kareni You know, I remember from last year that they collected all the cell phones. We'll ask tomorrow morning. Thanks!:001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FloridaLisa Posted October 15, 2008 Author Share Posted October 15, 2008 Thanks ladies! I got back in late this evening and read through all the replies (as well as the PDF administrator instructions -- thanks readwiththem!). I'll be up praying mighty early tomorrow and throughout the morning! Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kendall Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 My boys are taking this on Saturday. I didn't see anything about mechanical pencils in the pdf. Do you know if they can be used? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
readwithem Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 My boys are taking this on Saturday. I didn't see anything about mechanical pencils in the pdf. Do you know if they can be used? I read somewhere the computer can't read the answer sheet if the answers are recorded with mechanical pencil, and will record the test as a "0" :eek: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kendall Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 Thanks for the info. My son can learn to tolerate a regular pencil for one test:). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puma Mom Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 Bring #2 pencils (not mechanical pencils) and a good calculator. I think both older girls have the TI-83 Plus Silver Edition.Mechanical pencils actually do work. Ds much prefers mechanical and has always used them on the PSAT/SAT/ACT tests. HB lead is equivalent to #2. I suppose you could get a proctor that won't allow them, but ds has never had a problem. I make him take a couple of non-mechanical just in case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngieW in Texas Posted October 18, 2008 Share Posted October 18, 2008 The problem with mechanical pencils is that videos have been posted on youtube explaining how to hide test answers in the barrel of the pencils, so now a lot of the test centers ban mechanical pencils. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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