As a college preparatory school, Solebury School strives to prepare its students in many ways for college. One way that we do so is through PSAT testing. Besides solid classroom achievement and extracurricular activities, most colleges will consider the results of standardized tests as part of the admission process.

To help students prepare for such examinations, Solebury REQUIRES that all 10th and 11th grade students take the PSAT, and we have pre-registered them for the exam. COLLEGES WILL NOT SEE THE RESULTS OF THE PSAT, so this is a good opportunity to understand the structure and content of standardized tests without the added pressure of college admission consequences, while getting detailed feedback with their results.

This year, the test will be on Wednesday, October 10, 8:00am to 11:30am. The PSAT will include:

1. A 60-minute evidence-based reading section (including passages in Literature, Social Studies and Sciences)
2. A 35-minute writing/language test
3. Math that will focus on problem-solving and data analysis: one 45-minute section where students can use a calculator and one 25-minute section where a calculator is not permitted
4. An experimental 25-minute section that will not affect students' scores

Additionally, the PSAT is the first step, for juniors, in entering the National Merit Scholarship Corporation competitions for scholarships and recognition and provides practice for the SAT, allowing students, with a certain degree of accuracy, to predict their SAT scores. Note that the PSAT does not include an essay, which is optional on the SAT.

Also, the Student Search Service gives PSAT test-takers the option to voluntarily place their names and addresses in a pool of college-bound students interested in receiving admission and financial aid information from colleges, universities and scholarship agencies.

PSAT Student Bulletins will be distributed during class advising next Wednesday, September 26. This guide offers tips and strategies, a full-length practice test and a list of the NMSC scholarship programs. I encourage students to take advantage of all that the guide has to offer.

On the day of the test, students should bring two or more #2 pencils and a calculator. Calculators are not required for the test, but the College Board suggests using one.

I will be following up with an e-mail about pre-administration, cost, testing rooms, etc., as we get closer to the test date. In the meantime, should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me any time at (215) 862-5261 x111 or tgallen@solebury.org.

—Timothy M. Gallen, Director of College Counseling