Changes made to PSAT/NMSQT

Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Times Staff Report

The state of Indiana has made changes in the way it supports the PSAT/NMSQT in Indiana schools beginning in the 2009-10 school year.

With the financial support of the state over the past two years, Northview High School has been able to provide all juniors the opportunity in the fall to take the PSAT(Preliminary SAT)/NMSQT(National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test).

Beginning this year, the state will provide funding for the PSAT/NMSQT testing this fall for all sophomore students enrolled in accredited Indiana high schools. The state's rationale for providing PSAT testing in Grade 10 is that:

* Students and their parents receive an earlier and better gauge of their post-secondary preparation;

* Students have time to adjust junior and senior high school schedules based on individual student data;

* Schools may use AP Potential™ to identify students who may benefit from classes that help prepare students for and participate in Advanced Placement; and

* Students and parents have access to a variety of college, career and SAT preparation tools that have benefit throughout high school.

This fall, all Northview High School sophomores will be given the opportunity to take the PSAT. In addition, Northview High School is encouraging all junior students who plan to pursue post-secondary education to take the exam because scores from the junior PSAT participation are utilized in the National Merit Scholarship program and other merit-based scholarship programs. Junior students may sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT assessments by contacting the school in writing before June 15, 2009, and submitting a check made out to Northview High School for $13. The College Board offers PSAT/NMSQT fee waivers for juniors who are unable to pay test fees themselves. These waivers are based upon the free/reduced lunch status of the student. Students are requested to indicate their desire for consideration for a waiver when signing up for the test.

For more information, contact Director of Guidance Susan Treash 448-2661 Ext. 1208, or Principal Timothy Rayle 448-2661 Ext. 1201.

Comments

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Note the part that states that only by taking it as a junior will you be eligible for various scholarships and recognition.

While this decision was on state level, I hope that parents and students don't think that this replaces taking it as a junior.

I cannot "encourage" juniors enough...I would word it more strongly and say it's necessary if jrs want to be considered for scholarships etc.

So while taking it as sophomore good practice session, better sign up to take it as jr as well.

-- Posted by Jenny Moore on Wed, Jun 10, 2009, at 5:41 PM