PSAT Testing

The National Merit Scholarship Program is a United States academic scholarship competition for recognition and university scholarships. Students are identified for National Merit recognition by the score they receive when taking the PSAT test which is a test offered to......More

The National Merit Scholarship Program is a United States academic scholarship competition for recognition and university scholarships. Students are identified for National Merit recognition by the score they receive when taking the PSAT test which is a test offered to 9th, 10th, and 11th graders in our district. Being a National Merit Scholar or National Merit Semifinalist opens the doors to endless educational opportunities and college funding possibilities.  National Merit Scholars represent the top one percent of the state’s senior students.  The Springdale School System has had the privilege of graduating numerous seniors with this distinction.  We have several students at SWJH who have the potential to graduate with this honor. Springdale pays for every 10th grader to take the PSAT for baseline data. All 11th graders are invited to take it again, but those who show the greatest potential in 10th grade are strongly encouraged to take the qualifying PSAT in the 11th grade for a chance at National Merit Semifinalist Status. We encourage students with the potential for earning National Merit recognition to take the PSAT during their 8th and 9th grade school years. By taking it in 8th and  9th grade, students have the greatest opportunity to identify areas of growth within two years to develop their readiness. Taking the exam this year gives students a “first-try” at what areas they need to work on to achieve such an honor when they take it at the high school level.  There is no penalty for taking the test early. The benefit for students is they know what to expect and how to prepare.