Attention: Parents & Guardians of 9th, 10th, 11th Grade Students!
At Bishop McCort, we strive to prepare your child for college and beyond. The SAT is one of the most important steps in the college admission process. Due to the importance of early preparation, practice, and exposure to these tests, Bishop McCort makes it possible for all students to take the PSAT (Preliminary SAT). On October 11, 2017, the PSAT will be administered during the school day for grades 9 through 11.
Students in grades 9 will take the PSAT 8/9. This test is formatted much like the redesigned SAT and is designed specifically for students in grades 8/9. The PSAT 8/9 will assess student’s progress toward concepts and skills needed to succeed not only on the SAT, but also in high school and college. Students taking the exam will also be given an individualized score code to link to the Khan Academy to create a personalized practice experience. It’s the best way to prepare for other tests in the SAT Suite of Assessments, and it’s free.
Students in grades 10 & 11 will take the PSAT/NMSQT. The National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) is an important tool in gaining recognition and access to the scholarship program for 11th grade students. Bishop McCort students have consistently been recognized as NMSQT scholars over the years and it has undoubtedly assisted with college acceptance rates and financial award opportunities. Students taking the PSAT/NMSQT will also gain the same access to Khan Academy and the important assessment data from the test.
In order to take this essential test, each student must submit a payment of $15. We will accept cash or checks payable to Bishop McCort Catholic High School. Payment is due no later than Monday, September 18 to the Guidance Office. We strongly encouraged and expected to take the test. Research supports practice tests as the primary method to increase standardized test scores. This is extremely imperative in a Catholic School setting where standardize testing is not the norm!
Students in grades 9 through 11 who do not sign-up for the PSAT still must attend school that day and will be given an alternate study skills assignment in an area separate from those testing. Again, we cannot overstress the importance of taking the opportunity to gain the experience and resources from the PSAT.
Every student should visit www.collegeboard.org/psat for more information, test-taking tips, and explanations to answers from past tests.