September 26, 2016
To Parent/Guardian of:
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Dear Parent/Guardian:
AHS is pleased to offer the PSAT/NMSQT to juniors and sophomores on Wednesday, October 19, 2016. The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is a multiple choice test that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities important for college success.
More than one million high school students take the exam each year. High test scores will earn Juniors the opportunity to enter scholarship competition administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Taking the PSAT/NMSQT as a junior is the only way a student may enter the National Merit Scholarship competition. Sophomores are offered the opportunity to test as practice, which may help them with future testing. Additionally, some private scholarships offered by businesses and colleges are based on PSAT scores.
Students who would like to view test preparation information may access the following website:
www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/prep/tips.html
The October 19, 2016 test is a national test date determined by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and is the only date that AHS will be giving the exam. Exams will be administered on the AHS campus. October 19 is a late start Wednesday; however, PSAT/NMSQT tests will begin promptly at 7:45 AM. Students who have registered for the PSAT/NMSQT may enter AHS at 7:20 AM for check-in.
For all juniors and sophomores who do not register for the PSAT/NMSQT, the October 19th school day will begin with Seminar at 11:25.
If your student wishes to take the PSAT/NMSQT on October 19, 2016 please go to www.payforit.net to register and pay.
Payment may also be done in the form of cash or check (made payable to Ankeny Community Schools) directly with the Counseling Office. Your student must then pick up a study guide to prepare for the test from Ms. Safley in the Counseling Office. While we do not anticipate a shortage of exams, please be aware that juniors will be given priority if a shortage occurs. Fees for late registration will be assessed as indicated on the registration information on the back of this letter.
Please feel free to contact the Counseling Department at 635-2775 with additional questions.
Sincerely,
Audrey Bell Mici Vos Stephanie Miller
AHS Counselor (A – G) AHS Counselor (H – O) AHS Guidance Counselor (P – Z)
515-635-2782 515-635-2788 515-635-2786
PSAT/NMSQT
Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test
National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
Registration at www.payforit.net
· Log in and navigate to Fees>Make Fee Payment, and select your student at the top to register and pay for PSAT.
What: Multiple choice tests that measure verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities. There is a 60 minute reading section, a 35 minute writing/language section, a 25 minute non-calculator math section and a 45 minute calculator math section.
When: Wednesday, October 19 @ 7:45 AM check-in begins @ 7:20 AM
Where: AHS (Room assignments will be posted on Tuesday, October 18.)
Bring: Several #2 pencils and a Photo I.D. You may use a four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator on one math section. Students will not be allowed to share calculators. NO Mechanical Pencils or Pens.
After registering at www.payforit.net or with cash or check (made payable to Ankeny Community Schools) students must pick up a study guide in the Counseling Office!
Deadlines:
Regular Registration (Sept. 26– Oct. 12) ....$20
Late Registration (October 13 – 18)
……………$30
Register at www.payforit.net
JUNIORS: Earning very high scores on the PSAT/NMSQT is the only way a student may enter competition for the National Merit Scholarship. Juniors may also qualify for scholarships and enrichment programs that use PSAT/NMSQT results, i.e., Achievement Scholarships, and National Hispanic Scholar Awards.
SOPHOMORES: This is practice for taking the PSAT/NMSQT as a junior. It is also practice for taking the SAT tests for college placement. Recent trends have indicated that sophomores who take the test can be placed in an advantageous position when taking the tests as a junior. Because this test is the qualifier for National Merit Scholarship competition, juniors will be given priority if a shortage of exams occurs. Please register during the regular registration dates.