PSAT information from Mr. Pilsner:

Dear Montfort Parents,

As you know, the standardized aptitude tests called the SAT and the ACT are among the most significant criteria for college acceptances and scholarships. Though judgments about academic performance based on these tests are necessarily limited, they still have value. An institution like The Montfort Academy does not have a tradition and reputation dating back 50 years and more, and it is important that others evaluating our students have an indication of their educational level and academic accomplishments.

The time is fast approaching for the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test, or PSAT. As a preparation for the SAT, it typically appeals to sophomores and juniors. But any student can take the PSAT. The test is low-stakes, taken for practice and for self-evaluation. The scores are stored in a secure data base (erased every few years), they do not go on your high school academic record, and a student's prospective colleges are not informed.

The PSAT measures: 1) Critical reading skills, 2) Math problem-solving skills, 3) Writing skills. Some of the most common reasons for taking the PSAT are:

To receive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study. You can then focus your preparation on those areas that could most benefit from additional study or practice.

To see how your performance on an admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college.

To enter the competition for National Merit Scholarships (I will describe this in a subsequent email).

To help prepare for the SAT. You can become familiar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions you will see on the SAT.

To receive information from colleges when you check "yes" to Student Search Service.

You can read more about the PSAT on the web site for the College Board:
Click here

This year, the PSAT will be administered at Montfort on Wednesday, October 13th, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

In the spring, I put out the call for sign-ups and received 27 responses from parents. Yet I also realize that some who turned it down may have changed their mind. Therefore, I ordered several extra exams.

As last year, a fee of $15 is collected for exam scoring and handling. Please send in a check payable to The Montfort Academy by Friday, October 8th. Any student who did not sign up in the spring will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.

A PSAT Practice Test!
Because we want our students to do their very best, we would also like to offer them the opportunity to take a free practice test here at Montfort on Friday, October 8th, from approximately 2:30 PM to 5:20 PM. Practice tests will reduce test anxiety and help students perform better on the “official” PSAT as well as the SAT. Those who wish to take the practice exam will meet in Room 3 at 2:30 (after the Divine Mercy) and can arranged to be picked up between 5:20 and 5:30 PM.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to drop me a telephone message or email. Thank you!

Yours sincerely,

John Pilsner
College Placement and Guidance