College Board, SUSD arrange free PSSS test for all sophomores

Sophomores at all five of Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) high schools will have the opportunity to take the Preliminary SAT Scoring Service (PSSS) at no cost to parents.

The test, which is voluntary, will be administered at Arcadia, Chaparral, Coronado, Desert Mountain, and Saguaro high schools on Wednesday, Feb. 16, during the school day.

Usually, families of the students pay for the PSSS. “By offering the PSSS 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.

According to The College Board, benefits of taking the PSSS include:

• Can be administered to sophomores and younger students any time in February and March
• Familiarize students with and prepares them for admissions tests, primarily the official Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) /National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).
• Provides feedback on skills, self-reported major and career choices
• Gives students an opportunity to receive information about college planning
• Emphasizes student academic skills in verbal reasoning, math reasoning and writing

“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.

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.

Due to October break, the PSSS is being administered for all sophomores instead of the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT). The Research and Assessment Department is working with the calendar committee to plan October breaks in the future, so it does not coincide with administering the PSAT.

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