RCS encourages students to sign up for PSAT exam

RCS Guidance Counselors are encouraging juniors to take next month’s PSAT exam as a way of preparing for the SAT determining what academic areas need to be honed prior to the spring SAT exam.

“It’s a good practice for the SAT and or other standardized state assessments,” said Guidance Counselor Pete Dwyer.

The exam – which is administered at RCS on Oct. 20 - measures critical reading skills, math problem solving skills, and writing skills. The cost of the PSAT is $13 and juniors must register by Oct. 12.

Not only does the exam offer and opportunity to practice for the SAT exam and other standardized exams, it also qualifies juniors for the National Merit Scholarship Program which provide in excess of $34 million in scholarships annually. Additionally, taking the exam provides students with access to college recruiters.

According to national statistics, more than 1.4 million students took the PSAT last year.

Students who wish to take the PSAT but may not be able to afford to the cost should contact their guidance counselor, Dwyer said.