Beginning in the fall of 2017, TCPS will phase out administration of the Pre-SAT (PSAT) exam to all 10th graders, and replace it with the PSAT 8/9. By shifting PSAT administration from 10th grade to 9th, the benefits of the PSAT experience will be available a year earlier in students’ high school careers.
PSAT provides students (and TCPS) with an evaluation of their preparedness for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The SAT is an internationally recognized exam that is required for admission by many college and universities. Based on their results, PSAT provides students with free Khan Academy online SAT Prep materials that are customized to enhance areas of strength and help improve on areas of weakness.
“In addition to helping students prepare for SAT, the PSAT also provides students and parents with information about college and career options, scholarship opportunities, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses that students should consider taking in high school,” said Tom Callahan, College Readiness Supervisor for TCPS. “Having this information in 9th grade will help them make more informed and strategic decisions about their course schedules and college searches.”
This fall, TCPS will administer PSAT to both 9th and 10th graders so that all students will be able to take advantage of the benefits, but after this year only 9th graders will be taking the assessment. As in the past, the PSAT for 9th and 10th graders will be provided at no cost to students.
Student in 11th grade who wish to take the PSAT National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) will still be able to do so, at nominal cost.
Students and parents with questions about the PSAT should contact their school guidance counselor.
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