A new partnership between the Issaquah Schools Foundation and the Issaquah School District brought the pivotal PSAT test to every high school sophomore and junior today, October 14, 2009. For the uninitiated, the PSAT is a pre-test for the Scholastic Achievement Test--the aptitude test required by most colleges for admission. The PSAT gives students a preview of the types of questions on the SAT, a 'low pressure' opportunity to discover how their performance on the test compares with others nationwide, feedback on their academic strengths and weaknesses, and for 11th graders--entry into the National Merit Scholarship Competition. The PSAT also builds bridges between high school and post-secondary education by registering students for a Student Search Service that connects them with colleges across the country.

"We're showing are students that we are invested in their success," says Robin Callahan, ISF Executive Director. "In past years, students have had to register for the test on their own and travel, on a Saturday morning, to various testing sites. If have now, or have ever had a teenager, you know how difficult it can be to convince a 15 or 16 year old to get up early on a weekend morning. By bringing the test into the schools, the District and the Foundation are making it easier for students to prepare for the college process and are sending a clear message about the importance of post-secondary education."
 
The cost to students for the PSAT test was $13. The Foundation offered PSAT scholarships for students whose families are facing financial difficulties. Your can learn more about the PSAT test at www.collegeboard.com.