The following message is from Albany High School prinicpal Jodi Commerford. It will be mailed home as a letter in the next few days.
Dear Students and Families,
Albany High School sophomores and juniors will have the opportunity to take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT) on Friday, Oct. 27. The PSAT is a national test that measures students’ abilities in reading and math. Students sign up to take the test in the main office.
Please note that Oct. 27 is a staff development and parent-teacher conference day, and there are no classes for students. However, CDTA tripper buses will be available to bring test-takers to school in the morning and home afterward. Students taking the test should plan to be at school by 8:15 a.m.
About the PSAT
Any sophomore or junior may take the PSAT, a national test that measures students’ abilities in reading and math. Students will be able to see how their scores compare to other sophomores and juniors across the country. In addition, the PSAT is a great way to prepare for the SAT, which juniors will have the opportunity to take in the spring as they continue on their pathway to college and careers.
The PSAT takes two hours and 14 minutes an consists of two sections:
- Reading and writing (64 minutes, 54 questions)
- Math (70 minutes, 44 questions)
Taking the PSAT also allows you to connect with scholarship opportunities if you choose, and your score on the test may qualify you for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program.
Registering for the PSAT
The cost of the exam is $18 per student. Students should register and make payment at the main office by Wednesday, Oct. 18. Cash and checks will be accepted. Please make checks payable to “Albany High School.” You also can pay online through myschoolbucks.com.
If you have an extenuating circumstance and need help paying the $18 fee, please see your guidance counselor. Fee assistance is not guaranteed.
Students to take test on Chromebooks
The PSAT is given online, and students will take it on their school-issued Chromebook (personal devices will not be permitted). A very limited number of extra Chromebooks will be available in case of technical difficulties.
Besides signing up at the main office – and before test day – students must create an account with collegeboard.org to receive login information.
Test day schedule (approximate, times may vary)
- 8:15-8:30 a.m. – Student entry via main entrance on Washington Avenue
- 8:30-8:40 a.m. – Students report to the main gym to take the PSAT
- 8:40 a.m.-noon – PSAT testing
- Noon – Students dismissed
Preparing for the PSAT
The best way to prepare for these tests is to take charge of your education and learn as much as you can:
- Take challenging courses
- Do your homework
- Prepare for tests and quizzes
- Ask and answer lots of questions
You also can prepare for the PSAT with free resources from College Board and Khan Academy.
If you have any questions about the PSAT, please feel free to call the guidance office or email your counselor.
