Good Morning BHS Parents,
Many of you have been wondering why it may be important for your student to take the PSAT if they are college-bound. Many Virginia colleges do not make the SAT mandatory, however numerous out-of-state schools still do. (The PSAT is a great Prep test for the SAT) Additionally, below are examples of why taking the PSAT on October 18th at BHS is important...
1. THE PSAT will FAMILIARIZE YOU WITH THE TEST QUESTIONS AND FORMAT OF THE SAT The PSAT is not an exact replica of the SAT, but the questions, test formats, and scoring are similar. The PSAT, like the SAT, includes three multiple-choice tests: Reading, Writing and Language, and Mathematics. It does not include the SAT’s optional essay test, which was discontinued in January of 2021.
2. YOU’LL GET A “DRESS REHEARSAL” FOR TEST DAY Taking the PSAT with other students, under strict time limits with a proctor present is the closest simulation you’ll get to taking the real test. This “dry run” may help you feel less nervous when you take the SAT.
3. YOUR PSAT RESULTS CAN GUIDE YOUR TEST PREP Your scores on this exam should highlight your strengths and any areas of improvement that you need to work on before you take the SAT. In addition to many other test prep services available to you (both online and brick-and-mortar), the College Board, alongside Khan Academy, offers free test prep personalized to your PSAT scores.
4. COLLEGES WILL NOT SEE YOUR SCORES Your scores on the PSAT are not provided to colleges or other third parties or considered by colleges as part of their college admissions criteria.
5. YOUR PSAT SCORE MIGHT QUALIFY YOU FOR A NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP When you take the PSAT, you may earn a qualifying score to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program and compete for national recognition and college scholarships. To be considered for a National Merit Scholarship, you must also satisfy high academic standards and other requirements.
6. COLLEGES MIGHT TRY TO RECRUIT YOU When you sign up for the PSAT test, you may opt to have limited personal information shared with colleges and scholarship providers. If you do opt in, be prepared to be inundated with mail, email, and invitations to apply. While this can be overwhelming, it also provides an opportunity to learn about various schools, programs, and scholarships that you might not have considered.
Additionally, your PSAT Scores may be a good indicator whether you are ready or not for certain AP/Honors/Dual Enrollment courses at BHS or not.
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The PSAT will be given at BHS on Wednesday, October 9th. To register to take the test, bring a check or cash for $18 (payable to BHS) to Mrs. Walton in the Counseling Office. Fee Waivers are available for 11th grade students who have free/reduced lunches. The deadline for registration is Friday, September 20th at 3pm. Please reach out to your student's counselor if you have any questions.
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