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New PSAT Opportunity for High School Sophomores

This year, Wake County students in grades 10 and 11 will have the opportunity to take the Preliminary Student Aptitude Test (PSAT), when it is administered at their high school in October free of charge.

The PSAT is a college preparatory exam that provides practice for the SAT, encourages high-scoring students to take advanced placement courses, and is part of the selection process for juniors to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program.

While any student in grades 8 to 12 may take the test at his/her own expense, in the past, WCPSS has administered a free PSAT to students in grade 11. Beginning in the 2009-10 school year, the Wake County Public School System will begin administering the PSAT to students in grade 10 instead of grade 11.* However for 2008-09, WCPSS will administer a free exam to 10th and 11th-grade students, before the transition takes effect in 2009.

*In special cases, the PSAT may be administered to 11th-grade students in order to qualify for merit-based opportunities or to students who have not completed Algebra I in the 10th grade.

Making the shift will be better for students

Sr. Director of High School Programs Ruth Steidinger says making the PSAT available to eligible tenth grade students will provide an earlier opportunity for school staff to identify students capable of being successful in advanced placement (AP) courses. It will also provide an opportunity for earlier preparation for taking the SAT by using the PSAT as a benchmark for setting goals for improvement.

When students take the PSAT, College Board produces the AP Potential, a report that identifies students who may be likely to score well on AP exams. The report has been useful in motivating students to take challenging advanced placement courses.

“We’re hoping the shift will lead to identifying more tenth grade students eligible to enroll in AP courses who may not have thought they could,” said Steidinger.

The 2008 PSAT test date is Wednesday, October 15. Students must sign up for the PSAT at their high schools. Eligible students must complete Algebra 1 before taking the PSAT.