Time for TJ to Test

Students take the PSATs to prepare for their short and long-term educational goals.
by Rhea Boyd
photo by Kevin Fleming
    On October 15, TJ classrooms will be blanketed with silence as students sharpen their #2 pencils and take the PSATs.

    The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test, or the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is being administered to the 9^th, 10^th and 11^th grades. The test consists of three different sections: critical reading, math and writing skills. Each section is scored separately.

    The test is used to prepare students for the real SAT and will be good practice for future college admission tests. The test scores are the only measure to determine the eligibility of students for the National Merit Scholarship (NMS).

    The NMS is given to students with honorable academic achievement. Since 1955 the NMS Corporation has given over 335,000 scholarships, worth about $1.3 billion. In order to qualify for the NMS students must score in the 98 percentile in all subject areas. TJ’s students have to compete with every other student who takes the PSAT in the country.

    The test scores are also sent to colleges. Accordingly, the colleges will begin the recruiting process with students who earn qualifying scores.

    It is important for students to do their best on the PSAT. “Good scores will provide bigger opportunities for schools and scholarships,” said Administrative Assistant JoAnne Moreno, who is in charge of the PSATs this year at TJ.

    Students should receive their scores about six weeks after taking the test, around the beginning of winter break. If they are unhappy with their results they can find feedback regarding critical reading, math problem solving and writing skills included with their scores. Students can also use outside sources to help prepare them further for the real test. “Students can hire tutors, services or study online [collegeboard.org],” Moreno said.

    Included on the score sheet will be a personal code for a program on the College Board website called MyRoad. MyRoad will help students analyze their personal scores and improve on areas in which they struggled.

    Juniors and seniors can take the SAT on the following dates: October 4, November 1, December 6, January 24, March 14, May 2 and June 6. Everyone in 10^th and 11^th grade is eligible to take the test as long as they register beforehand. The most advantageous quality of the SAT is that students can take it as many times as they like. Only the highest score ends up being sent to colleges. Students can register for the test by picking up a packet from the Future Center or going to the College Board website and filling out the online registration.

    Students will be receiving a Student Guide in their period four classes. This guide explains more about the test and actually has sample questions on the test, a practice test with an answer key, and information about scholarship competitions.

    More information on the schedule for the 15^th will be released as the date approaches. The College Board website, www.collegeboard.org, can be helpful to students and parents that have questions about the PSAT.