PSAT Testing Scheduled for Oct. 15
(October 1, 2008) – On Wednesday, October 15, sophomore and junior students throughout Katy ISD will take the PSAT/NMSQTTM at their home campus. Taking the PSAT encourages students to start thinking seriously about life after high school, about college and career goals, and about the education needed to reach those goals.
Taking the PSAT provides numerous advantages for students including:
- Measuring the reading, math, and writing skills needed for college (and for success in most jobs and careers in today’s world). After the test, a score report will tell students how their skills measure up. Students can use it to find their “skill gaps” and then make plans to fill these gaps before college begins.
- Giving students a chance to see how their skills compare with those of other students who will also apply to college.
- Supplying score reports and supplemental materials that will support student success on the new SAT.
- Giving PSAT/NMSQT test takers the option to voluntarily place their names and addresses in a pool of college-bound students interested in receiving admission and financial aid information from certified colleges, universities and scholarship agencies through the Student Search Service®.
- Taking the PSAT typically results in students scoring higher on the SAT than those who do not take the PSAT.
- Providing practice for the SAT® Reasoning Test.
- Allowing students to predict their SAT scores in time to work on specific skills that may raise their scores.
- Sophomores who score well are invited to participate in the district National Merit Preparation program.
- Juniors who score well may qualify for National Merit Recognition and Scholarships.
- Providing valuable information to parents and students on student potential for advanced academics in high school.
Students will be exposed to sample PSAT questions in their math and language arts classes in addition to information on testing format. Students can prepare for this exam by reviewing the information in the PSAT prep booklet, which provides sample questions as well as test taking strategies. Booklets are available on each high school campus.
Questions about the PSAT should be directed to the campus counselor.
Home-schooled students who wish to participate must contact the Katy ISD Assessment Department at 281-396-2343 for information by October 6, 2008.