Arbor View High School Counseling
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PSAT
The PSAT is used by the National Merit Program to award its scholarships and commendations to seniors. It is very important for juniors to take this exam if they want to be considered for these scholarships. The P is for Preliminary, not Practice. Many students think it is merely a "practice" and that they will automatically be considered for scholarships by taking the SAT later.
About PSAT/NMSQT:
The Preliminary SAT®/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is a co-sponsored program by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). PSAT/NMSQT stands for PRELIMINARY SAT/NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP QUALIFYING TEST. It's a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test. It also gives you a CHANCE TO ENTER NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP CORPORATION (NMSC) SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS.
The PSAT/NMSQT measures:
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critical reading skills
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math problem-solving skills
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writing skills
You have developed these skills over many years, both in and out of school. This test doesn't require you to recall specific facts from your classes.
The most common reasons for taking the PSAT/NMSQT are:
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to receive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study. You can then focus your preparation on those areas that could most benefit from additional study or practice.
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to see how your performance on an admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college.
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to enter the competition for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
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to help prepare for the SAT. You can become familiar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions you will see on the SAT.
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to receive information from colleges when you check "yes" to Student Search Service.
AP Potential / PSAT & NMSQT
AP Potential is based on student performance on the annual Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT). College Board research has shown that PSAT/NMSQT scores are excellent predictors of students' AP Exam grades. In addition to looking at traditional signposts, such as a student's grades in previous same-discipline course work, Roseville High school will use AP Potential to help us find more students who may be capable of meeting the challenges presented by AP course work. We strongly encourage each of our students to participate in the PSAT offered each October at our campus beginning at least in the sophomore year to best identify AP courses that meet your student's strengths and interests.
You can find more information about Advanced Placement, SAT, and PSAT at www.collegeboard.org.
STUDENTS SHOULD DEFINITELY TAKE THE PSAT/NMSQT.
Many students benefit by taking it earlier, typically in their sophomore year. Sophomores will be provided with a sophomore percentile so that they can compare their performance to other sophomores who are also planning on going to college. If you take it earlier, recognize that the PSAT/NMSQT is a junior-level test, so don't get discouraged if your score is low. Your score will usually increase as your years of study increase. If younger students focus on the skills, not the score, they can work to improve those skills. This will help improve performance in high school, as well as better prepare them for college, the junior-year PSAT/NMSQT, and the SAT.
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html
Here is information from the National Merit website (juniors only):
http://www.nationalmerit.org/entering.html about the importance of the upcoming PSAT/NMSQT. There is more good information about scholarship qualification on this site and how the school can facilitate students if they are unable to take the test on the assigned date.
REGISTRATION: Cost is $18.00 for A.V.H.S. students
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TEST DAY INFORMATION
Students should bring a picture ID, #2 pencils, and a calculator. Test will last approx. 3 hours -
Test scores arrive in December/January. Results are distributed through the AVHS Guidance Department.