September 2016
Dear Parents of Juniors,
On Wednesday, October 19, your son/daughter will have an opportunity to take the PSAT/NMSQT(Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) at school. This examination is co-sponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The PSAT/NMSQT measures the evidence-based reading/writing and math, that students have developed over the course of their education. Typically, students take this exam in their junior year of high school.
The PSAT/NMSQT provides a preview of the College Board's SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), which is often required for college admissions purposes. Also, some juniors who take the exam may qualify to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation programs. It is also used as a comprehensive tool that gives valuable feedback to the student. Your son/daughter will receive scores in verbal reasoning, math reasoning, and writing to see how his/her scores compare to other juniors across the country.
In early October, all juniors will receive a Student Bulletin, which is full of useful information, including a full-length practice test. Students are strongly encouraged to review the bulletin and take the Practice Test to be sure they understand all the directions and are familiar with the types of questions that will be asked. Classroom learning is the basis for the test questions, so the best way to prepare is to become familiar with the test and its format. In early December, I will receive their Score Report and meet with each junior and explain the results in detail.
There is a test fee for the PSAT/NMSQT of $15.00. If your son/daughter would like to take the PSAT, they have been instructed to turn in this fee by Friday, October 14, to Mr. Durr. Checks may be made out to Alexandria Central School, or you may pay cash. Please do so as soon as possible. This exam is offered only once during junior year, so please take advantage of this opportunity. Students in the Free and Reduced lunch program do not have to pay the fee to take this exam.
At this time, your son/daughter should be seriously considering their post-graduation plans. Talk with your son/daughter about programs of study that interest him/her. Begin to research colleges and universities now, so that you may visit ones of interest during the summer. Also, encourage your son/daughter to check "Yes" for Student Search Service on the test day, on the PSAT answer sheet. By doing so, he or she will receive mail from colleges and universities.
Finally, it is important to note that college admissions representatives visit and speak with students all year long, but especially during the fall. Juniors are welcome to meet with these representatives and should listen to announcements for dates and times. Students are asked to sign up in the counseling office for any college representative meeting they may be interested in. The county-wide college fair will take place at Jefferson Community College on Monday,October 3rdfrom 5:00PM – 7:00PM.
I look forward to working with the juniors this year! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 482-5113 x3070 or email me at . I also encourage you to obtain more information about the college search at Thank you!
Sincerely,
Kevin Durr
School Counselor, Grades 9-12