September 2022
Dear Sophomore Parents and Students,
The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) will be given at Briarcliff High School on Wednesday, October 12th from 8:30am-12:30pm.
The PSAT is a preliminary or practice test for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), which most students take in the spring of their junior year. The PSAT is also the competitive measure for the College Board National Merit Scholarship program, only applicable to juniors.
By taking the PSAT as a sophomore, students gain experience and exposure to the test format prior to their junior year testing date. Testing results provide feedback on strengths and weaknesses, which students may wish to focus on over the next year.
Although the current trend indicates that many sophomores are electing to take the PSAT each year, it is important to consider the following:
- If a low score on the PSAT in sophomore year raises anxiety at the junior year testing and subsequently on the SAT, then taking the PSAT as a sophomore may be unwise.
- Students having completed only one year of high school math (Algebra 1 CC) will be at a disadvantage. Sophomores currently enrolled in Geometry CC are welcome to take the test, with the caveat that they may not have enough exposure to all math topics which will appear on the PSAT. Thus, it may be in their best interest to not sit for the test.
Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the SAT test format and practice preparation by purchasing SAT preparatory books available online or at a bookstore. Any student needing financial assistance in purchasing these materials should contact Mr. Tim Pellegrin, School Social Worker at tpellegrin@briarcliffschools.org
If a sophomore is planning to take the PSAT, they should arrive at BHS on their regular Briarcliff/Pocantico morning bus or personal transportation by 8:30am with two #2 pencils and a calculator with fresh batteries. Room locations will be posted in the high school main lobby.
Upon completion of the exam, students may take either a Briarcliff/Pocantico 12:30pm or 3:00pm bus departure home. The late bus will leave BHS at 3:45pm.
To register for the test, a student must bring a check in the amount of $25.00 payable to Briarcliff UFSD in an envelope with their name and grade on it to the Main Office; Attention Ms. Rutledge. Registration must be completed no later than Friday, September 23, 2022.
Upon receipt of your registration fee, a PSAT Student Bulletin will be given to your child.
Note:
- The Cafeteria will be serving a "grab and go" breakfast option.
- There will be no after school clubs on Wednesday, October 12th.
- Athletic practices and competitions will take place on Wednesday, October 12th as scheduled.
Formal classes will not be in session on Wednesday, October 12th as all juniors and some sophomores will be taking the exam. Freshmen will have a specific program designed for them during the day and sophomores not testing will not be in attendance.
If you have any questions regarding the PSAT Administration, please contact your child's counselor:
Sincerely,
Diana Blank, Principal
Daniel Goldberg, Assistant Principal