PSAT timing/testing regulations

Test Preparation
1

<p>HI, I’m new here and am actually J’s mom. I’ve been learning a lot while lurking CC the past year.</p>

<p>J took the PSAT today. I’m having trouble finding any posted regulations on the web, but am wondering if there is a standard for how the administrator is to let the test takers know about timing. For instance, recording the start time and stop time on the board, giving a 5 minute warning, etc.</p>

<p>I ask because in my brief conversation with J after school, he was frustrated about running out of time on today’s test. Sounds like they were told “start” and then “pencils down.” I know last year, it was similar, but they were at least given a 5 minute warning. Nothing was written on the board about start/stop times. I’ll get more clarification from him later, but in the meantime, the mom in me is wanting to find out if there are certain standards for administration.</p>

<p>Anybody know?</p>

2

<p>I took mine about two hours ago. The administrator did not give any time signals or warnings, but she did post the time start and time end on the board. I had asked about time signals myself and she ahd told me that they were not allowed to give time signals.</p>

3

<p>DD took PSAT today and said they posted the start and stop times on the board. No time warnings. She was the first one done with every test and had time to get drinks, go to bathroom between sections. Many others complained of running out of time according to her.</p>

4

<p>Was there a clock visible in the room? If not they’re required to announce the time
remaining for each test section at regular intervals.</p>

5

<p>I’ll have to ask him about a clock being in the room. If there was, are they still required to post start/stop times?</p>

6

<p>I wear a stopwatch on my wrist</p>

7

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<p>No. The only requirement is if there is no visible clock in the room. I think the assumption is the student can watch the clock and manage his time on his own.</p>

8

<p>ok. good news. I finally got to really talk to J and find out the whole story. There was a clock and the administrator did put start/stop time on the board. He was rushed when I talked to him earlier and frustrated that he ran out of time, so thus, the miscommunication. He had enough time to finish all but one section. And the parts he did, he felt like he did well on, so that’s fine. Not as good an outcome as what he had hoped, but all is ok.</p>

<p>Thanks for all your input.</p>

9

<p>I’m actually really upset because im completely stressing out about college/affording college when the economy is tanking. And in 10th grade i got a score that would have qualified me had i been a junior, and this year (no time warnings), i definitely did much worse. I dont really know what to do…</p>