HOUSTON – Oct. 6, 2017 – About 5,200 Spring ISD 10th and 11th graders will be taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) on Wednesday, Oct 11 at high school campuses districtwide.

A standardized test administered by the College Board, the PSAT/NMSQT offers several benefits to students. It not only provides the opportunity to practice for the SAT, which is one of the college entrance exams required for admission, but it also serves as entry in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

“Being designated a National Merit Scholar or the recipient of any of the special scholarships awarded by that prestigious organization is a significant achievement that looks good on college applications and comes with sizeable scholarships as well,” said Spring ISD Coordinator of College Readiness Carlos Gonzalez.

Students may be designated as Commended, Semifinalists and Finalists. Winners of Merit Scholarships are chosen from students who advanced to the Finalist standing. In addition, about 1,200 outstanding participants who did not advance to become Finalists are awarded Special Scholarships.

By offering the test during the school day at no cost to families, the district is trying to ensure that as many students as possible take the PSAT/NMSQT. To prepare for the nearly three-hour exam, students should get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast either at home or at school that day.

More information about taking the PSAT/NMSQT along with practice tests and test-taking tips are available online at collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/practice/full-length-practice-tests.