College Board, SUSD arrange free PSAT test for all sophomores

Sophomores at all five of Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) high schools will have the opportunity to take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) at no cost to parents.

The test, which is voluntary, will be administered at Arcadia, Chaparral, Coronado, Desert Mountain, and Saguaro High Schools on Oct. 21, during the school day.

“We know that the SAT test is a critical measurement for scholarships and college entry,” said Barbara F. Erwin, superintendent. “The PSAT will give our students a head start for the SAT,” she said.

Usually, families of the students pay for the PSAT. “By offering the PSAT to all sophomores at no cost, it will provide parents, students, and the schools with useful information to identify areas that require more attention,” said Katy Cavanagh, academic officer.

“The results of the test will help SUSD students set goals for the next two years, which will help them prepare and plan for success later in secondary school and colleges,” said Mrs. Cavanagh.

According to The College Board, benefits of taking the PSAT for parents, students, teachers, counselors, and administrators include:

• To provide early practice for taking the SAT during senior year. Statistics indicate significant improvement in SAT performance by taking the PSAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (MNSQT) in the sophomore or junior year.
   
• To gain diagnostic information regarding the student’s academic performance with the respect to college success and the Arizona Standards. Parents and students will receive a comprehensive Student Score Report, which provides a question-by-question report and prescriptive suggestions for improvement.
   
• To help identify students with academic potential for more rigorous coursework. The data provided would allow the identification of those students who should be encouraged, or have the potential to take Advance Placement classes.

“We believe this investment in our children is aligned with our focus of setting a standard in Arizona for world-class education, guaranteeing learning one student at a time,” Dr. Erwin said.

The College Board and SUSD entered a partnership to provide the test to students. The cost of the tests will be funded from the district’s maintenance and operation (M&O) budget. The College Board is a national non-profit organization, which was founded in 1900 to help prepare, inspire, and connect students to college success and opportunity.
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