2024 PSAT Course and Test Info Kit

What Is the PSAT?

The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) is a standardized test administered every October to grade 10 and 11 students who are considering a college or university education in the United States. Designed by the College Board, an American private nonprofit organization, the PSAT measures an individual’s ability to perform post-secondary schoolwork by evaluating their skills in evidence-based reading, writing and language, and mathematical problem solving. More importantly, it serves as firsthand practice for the SAT, the admissions test that remains a standard-bearer of the U.S. college application process. Upon writing the PSAT, students will receive a comprehensive diagnostic report outlining their performance on each section of the test. This feedback will point out their test-taking patterns and identify areas of strength and weakness, information which can be used to establish a study plan in preparation for the SAT. Because PSAT scores are NOT reported to any American colleges, writing the test is considered a smart, if not essential, risk-free first step in applying to post-secondary schools in the U.S.

Test details

The PSAT allows students to practise writing a standardized test under strict time constraints in an environment similar to that of the SAT. This year’s test will be administered by Trinity College School on Wednesday, October 9 and by The Bishop Strachan School and Lakefield College School the morning of Saturday, October 26.

PSAT prep course

The Learning Curve Tutoring and Educational Services will once again be on board this fall to provide a series of online PSAT training sessions to interested grade 10 and 11 students from The Bishop Strachan School (BSS) in Toronto, Trinity College School (TCS) in Port Hope, and Lakefield College School (LCS) in Lakefield.

Course Details:

FORMAT: four, 2.25-hour online sessions via Zoom

DATES: Sunday, September 15, 22, 29 and October 6

TIMES: 10am to 12:15pm

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS: individual, 15-minute meetings (Saturday, December 7, times TBD)

FEES: $450

The course begins with a comprehensive tour of the PSAT before breaking out into a more in-depth analysis of the content domains that make up its English and math sections. Tips addressing specific question types, time management and pacing are introduced in order to demystify the test format and build a bridge between the PSAT and the SAT. Along the way, students will have a chance to test-drive these strategies and develop their own personalized game plans.

Important Notes About Registration

Registration for the test and the prep course are done separately:

  • Just because a student has been registered for either the test OR the course doesn’t mean they are automatically signed up for the other!
  • Students attending either The Bishop Strachan School (BSS), Trinity College School (TCS) or Lakefield College School (LCS) are instructed to contact their guidance counsellors to sign up for the actual test, which will be written on Wednesday, October 9 at TCS and Saturday, October 26 at BSS and LCS. Students attending other schools are encouraged to contact their respective guidance departments for a list of local PSAT test centres and to book a spot accordingly.
  • To sign up for either prep course, please select “PSAT Prep Course Registration Form” from the Registration Forms drop-down menu, then follow the instructions there;

COURSE REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
Friday, September 13, 2024

2024 PSAT Prep Course Dates
Sunday, September 15 10am – 12:15pm tour of the test – format and content domains
Sunday, September 22 10am – 12:15pm English sections
Sunday, September 29 10am – 12:15pm math sections
Sunday, October 6 10am – 12:15pm pacing and time management
Saturday, December 7 by appointment PSAT performance analysis and SAT planning

 

Scheduling Conflicts
Organizing a course such as this one always presents scheduling challenges as some students are unable to participate due to conflicts with extra-curricular activities – leadership camp, competitive sports, volunteer obligations, etc. If your child cannot attend one or two of the above classes for such a reason, please note the date(s) on the registration slip, where indicated, and every effort will be made to book a make-up time. If most, or all, of the course dates are in conflict with other pursuits, please call The Learning Curve directly to make alternate arrangements – anything is possible!!!
Additional Course Information (including fees)

1) Registration slips must be received and payments processed by The Learning Curve no later than Friday, September 13, 2024

The mailing address is:
The Learning Curve
35 Wyndfield Crescent
Whitby ON L1N 8L3

2) FEES: Online instruction via Zoom ($450)– four, 2.25-hour Sunday morning classes; post-test performance analysis and SAT planning session

3) Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.

4) The PSAT is an app-based, digital test, so a laptop or tablet will be required for these sessions. Graphing calculators, although built into the app, are permitted. Any other study materials will be provided.

5) For more information, please contact The Learning Curve directly:
Colin McMahon, Director
colin@learningcurvetutoring.ca
416.422.5988

NOTE: This year’s test will be administered by Trinity College School on Wednesday, October 9 and The Bishop Strachan School and Lakefield College School on Saturday, October 26. For information on other test centres, students are encouraged to contact their respective guidance departments. Registration and payment for the test itself must be arranged through the host school.

Printable version of the PSAT prep course registration form
PSAT, SAT and ACT info kit for BSS students