Hello parents of sophomores and juniors,
Two weeks ago we notified you in an E-news message that we are administering the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) exam to all 10th and 11th grade students and that this year the exam is scheduled on a school day, Wednesday, October 14.
The PSAT is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT®. It also gives students a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) programs and gain access to college and career planning tools.
Typically, about two-thirds of our District juniors take the PSAT exam which, in the past, has been offered on a Saturday morning. By offering it during the school day, we not only hope to make things more convenient for families, but we have also been able to lower the exam fee.
The exam fee is $13.00 – payable on-line at https://web.issaquah.wednet.edu/touchbase/login-form.aspx. If you prefer, you may pay the testing fee at your school through the bookkeeper.
The most common reasons for taking the PSAT are 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.
§ See how your performance on an admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college.
§ Enter the competition for scholarships from NMSC (grade 11).
§ Help prepare for the SAT. You can become familiar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions you will see on the SAT.
§ Receive information from colleges when you check "yes" to Student Search Service
If you have a demonstrated need for financial assistance with the PSAT exam fee, there are scholarships available through the Issaquah Schools Foundation. Please contact your school’s principal if you are in need of financial help with the test fee.
We strongly encourage all of our sophomores and juniors to take advantage of this opportunity on October 14. If you have any questions, please contact your student’s counselor.
Patrick Murphy