WHAT IS THE PSAT

1
WHAT IS THE PSAT?

• HELPING All of OUR STUDENTS TO DO THEIR BEST!
• Montgomery Blair High School
• 2006-2007

2
Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test

• It is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying
  Test
• It provides practice for the SAT Reasoning Test
• It measures
• - Reading skills
• - Math problem solving skills
• - Writing skills

3
Date Of The Test

• Wednesday October 18, 2006
• All 9th, 10th and 11th Grade Students must take
  the test. This is a new MCPS initiative!!
• There is a 12.00 fee for 11th graders who want
  their test scored and reported to the College
  Board.

4
THE OBJECTIVE of PSAT

• It gives students the opportunity to qualify for
  the National Merit Scholarship Program
• It gives students an opportunity for a higher
  level of preparation.
• It exposes students to several types of verbal
  and math questions
• It is scored the same as the SAT.
• It will allow students to be more comfortable
  with the SAT

5
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

• Only juniors who take the PSAT are eligible.
• The top 50,000 scorers are recognized by the
  program and sent letters of commendation.
• 8,500 of the finalists receive the scholarships
  at 2,500 a piece towards college
• Even though all students do not win an actual
  scholarship, a high score can qualify them for
  other special scholarships.
• A commendation as a National Merit Scholar is a
  plus when applying for college admission.

6
Montgomery Blair High School

• More than 40 Montgomery Blair High School
  Students earned the National Merit Scholar
  Designation last year!!!!
• We want more of our students to join in this
  success!!!!

7
Remember The Date

• Wednesday October 18, 2006
• All 9th, 10th, and 11th graders must come to
  school prepared to take the actual PSAT Test
• Taking the test is important for each student as
  well as the progress of our school!!!
• There will be attendance and test taking
  incentives!!

8
Please Stay Tuned for More Details/Specifics!!!

• An outlined plan of action with specifics!
• Practice testing through Social Studies Classes!
• October 9, Special Information Day!
• Special announcements and assemblies!
• Posters, Stickers and Flyers!
• Academy and Class Competition!
• And much, much more!!!

9
Questions, Suggestions and Input?

• This activity requires school-wide
  input/involvement and support!!!
• Please Direct All Questions To
• The Career Center at 301-649-2819 Ms. Partlow
  and Ms. Henderson
• Or
• Dr. Andrew W. Coleman, III, Assistant Principal
  and Testing Coordinator
• Or
• Mrs. Linda Wanner, Assistant Principal and
• Back-Up Testing Coordinator