On Saturday, October 16, tenth graders at Mt. Carmel, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Abraxas, and Westview high schools will have the opportunity to take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) at no cost through a partnership between The College Board and PUSD. All parents of high school sophomores will receive a letter from PUSD Superintendent Don Phillips and their high school principals inviting them to have their students participate in this worthwhile opportunity.

"We are committed to increasing the number of students who are college ready," said PUSD Superintendent Don Phillips. "Having as many sophomores as possible take the PSAT will give more of our students early practice for taking the SAT, and an opportunity to receive valuable feedback on their academic skill. We hope to increase the number of students taking a rigorous college prep curriculum, with a strong focus on students in the middle who are often overlooked. On the average, students who take the PSAT earn higher scores on the SAT, which is used to determine college admission."

This program is part of the school district's college readiness initiative. PUSD is taking this bold initiative in order to achieve many goals. Among the most important are:

· On average, students who take the PSAT earn higher scores on the SAT, which is used to determine college admission.

· To provide early practice for taking the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) during the junior and senior year.

· To gain diagnostic information regarding the student’s academic performance with respect to college success and the California standards. Parents and students will receive a comprehensive Student Score Report, which provides a question-by-question report and prescriptive suggestions for improvement.

· To help identify students with academic potential for more rigorous course work. A diagnostic tool will be used with the sophomore test results to provide specific data regarding those students who should be encouraged, or have the potential, to take an Honors or Advanced Placement (AP) course.

“Sophomores have been able to take the PSAT for years, and a small group of select students have taken advantage of this learning opportunity. We believe it is now time to extend that opportunity to all sophomores. We anticipate the results will be more challenging coursework for all students,” said Don Phillips.

More information about the PSAT (and sample questions) can be found at The College Board website, www.collegeboard.com. For further information about signing up for the test, please contact the finance office at the high school your student attends.