PSAT Day in EPISD is on Jan. 26
(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT -- Jan. 13, 2021) — EPISD’s 8,900 sophomores and juniors will be taking the PSAT at their respective campuses on Jan. 26 to measure their college readiness, access scholarships and practice for the SAT.
Although the optional exam is the same for both 10th and 11th graders, juniors taking the exam are eligible for National Merit Scholarships and/or College Board National Recognition Program.
“We encourage all 10th and 11th graders to opt in to taking the PSAT because it can open up the doors to over $255 million dollars in scholarships that are tied to PSAT scores,” said Richard Couder, college readiness facilitator. “Historically, on average, students who take the PSAT do better on the SAT than those who do not.”
Couder recommends students study at least 20 hours on Khan Academy, which EPISD students have access to online, to prepare for the PSAT and SAT.
“On average, this equates to a 115-point average score increase,” he said.
Schools will be following all CDC guidelines used for both SAT and EOC testing in the fall and only students who will be testing will be on campus that day.
Other benefits of taking the PSAT:
- PSAT scores are used to help determine the AP potential of a student and encourage them to take AP courses they are likely to be successful in.
- Students who meet the PSAT college readiness benchmarks can qualify to take dual credit with EPCC.
For more tips on preparing for the test click here.
Good luck!
Graphic by Martín A. López