On Wednesday, October 10, the College Board's PSAT 8/9 will be administered to all diploma-bound students in grade 9, and the PSAT/NMSQT will be administered to all diploma-bound students in grades 10/11. Seniors are encouraged to take advantage of this day to make local college visits.

The PSAT 8/9 is the first test in the College Board Suite of Assessments and is used to set a readiness baseline, allowing students and teachers to pinpoint areas for focused practice through high school. PSAT/NMSQT for grade 10 serves as a check-in on student progress in preparation for grade 11, where students' scores can provide entry into the National Merit Scholarship program, an academic competition for recognition and college scholarships. 

Please discuss the new items below with your student prior to October 10:

• Students will receive 'Mobile Opt-In' policies and documents before completing identifying information on the answer sheet. Students will need this document when deciding to provide their mobile number or not. Students will take the document home after testing.
• Your student will be completing a student data questionnaire that is part of the PSAT assessment. The questionnaire consists of basic information for reporting scores (name, student id, school, sex and birth date) and a set of optional personal questions to share with eligible colleges, universities, scholarships, and educational opportunity programs. If you prefer your student to not share this information, he/she can opt-out (Item 14 for PSAT 8/9 and Item 15 for PSAT/NMSQT).

General information and reminders:

• Students should have a good breakfast on testing day. A modified bell schedule for lunch shifts, and periods 5 and 6 will be finalized after testing ends (at approximately 11:20am).
• Students' testing rooms will be on posters around the school by the end of the week. Students will report directly to their testing rooms upon entering school.
• Students must report to school on time in order to participate in the PSAT. There are no make-up days to account for absences. If a student does come to school late, he/she should sign in in the Front Office and then report to the cafeteria for an extended study period.
• Please double-check for any students' appointments for October 10. We strongly discourage early dismissals as they cause disruption during testing. If a student does have an early release, he/she will be unable to complete the test.
• Students should bring two #2 pencils and a calculator with fresh/extra batteries. Calculators will not be available on test day as all math problems can be solved without a calculator. If your student would like to request to borrow a calculator, please see Assistant Principal, Mrs. Veslany, School Testing Coordinator, or our Testing Assistant in the Front Office by Monday, October 8.

There are no electronic devices allowed in the testing area. Students are encouraged to leave cell phones at home on this day. Students may not use the cell phone or any device similar other than a calculator. If a student does bring a cell phone to school or wears a smart watch, the proctor will be collecting all devices prior to testing. Please emphasize this with your student. We do not want an entire classroom of Atholton students' PSAT scores invalidated if a cell phone rings or vibrates!

Students taking the PSAT should receive their score reports and a copy of the test booklet prior to Winter Break in December. Please call or email Mrs. Veslany (lisa_veslany@hcpss.org) if you have any questions.