Hello BAIS Community,
I trust that last week was a good time of rest and relaxation with your family. Today I want to talk about testing with you. To be honest, as a student this was something that I truly dreaded, I was great at projects and papers, but to reproduce my knowledge and understanding in a multiple choice fashion was my nightmare. That is why I cannot encourage you and your student to take advantage of the opportunities to take the PSATs. What are the PSATs? Good question!
The PSAT – Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test – There are a total of three PSAT that BAIS makes available to students in 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th grades. The PSAT 8/9 for the 8th and 9th graders. The PSAT 10 for the 10th graders and the PSAT/NMSQT for the 11th graders. By providing the PSAT tests, students will gain valuable knowledge that will help them when they take the actual SAT as juniors and seniors. For example, they will know what the SAT testing environment is like, how to fill out the Scantron answer sheet, and how to answer each subject section in the time allotted. Additionally, they will be able to better understand the instructions from the test proctor and see how they are meeting benchmarks for their grade level.
On Tuesday the 11th graders will be taking the PSAT/NMSQT. The school provides a test for each student in 11th grade and is designed for in the first semester of their 11th grade year. We want all 11th and 12th graders to be ready and comfortable with the SAT when it comes time for them to take the university entrance tests.
If you or your 8th, 9th, or 10th grader is interested in take the PSAT this school year, keep your eyes open to announcements in November about how to order a test. The PSAT for those grades will be at the end of February, but the order will be sent out in December.
If you have any questions about the PSAT or want to know about them, I recommend checking out their website that has more information. If you have any more questions, please feel free to to email me at melissahall@baisedu.org
Thank you for your investment in your student’s education!
BAIS Guidance Counselor