Counseling Department Newsletter Check out the latest good news from the Counseling Office! Features on anxiety and stress, understanding College Financial Aid, and the PSAT. Plus...October is college month, so be sure to check out the many activities planned!  READ OUR OCTOBER 2018 NEWSLETTER HERE

PSAT/NMSQT Testing Day Wednesday, October 10

Dear Sophomores and Juniors,

On Wednesday, October 10, our school will administer the PSAT/NMSQT, a test that measures the skills and knowledge you have developed in reading, writing and language, and math.  It measures your reasoning and critical thinking skills, which will be important to you through high school, college, and beyond.  Taking the PSAT is great practice for taking the SAT.

When you are a JUNIOR, taking the PSAT/NMSQT can enter you into the National Merit Scholarship Program, with a qualifying score.  If you qualify for participation in the National Merit Scholarship Program, it can open up opportunities for college scholarships and other programs that may help you prepare for college.

We encourage you to take advantage of the many benefits PSAT/NMSQT offers:

* Get connected to colleges and universities across the country - and to scholarship organizations - by opting into "Student Search Service" on the test.

* Get ready for the SAT. Taking the PSAT/NMSQT is great practice for the SAT and helps sharpen your skills for college. After you get your scores you can link them to Khan Academy to keep practicing where you need it most.

* Get matched with AP courses that make the most of your strengths. AP can give you an edge in the admission process, and the opportunity to earn college credit.

Feel free to ask your counselor for more information about the PSAT/NMSQT, and visit psat.org. 

Test Day Reminders

You should have already received a "Student Guide" from your adviser. If not, please pick one up from the Counseling Office.  

• Use the Student Guide to familiarize yourself with the type of questions that will be on the exam.  Take the practice test provided in the Guide.

• Get a good night's rest and eat a healthy breakfast.

• The morning of the exam, go directly to your assigned testing room.  Attendance/Sign-in will take place in your testing room. Testing starts PROMPTLY at 8:15 am. A list of testing rooms was sent to all students by Mrs. Burek.

• Late students will NOT be permitted to take the test once the 1st section of the test has begun, as the tests are strictly timed.

• Dismissal will be at approximately 12:00 pm for the day.

• Remember to bring two #2 pencils & a calculator with you.

• A list of approved calculators was sent to all students, so be sure yours is OK to use BEFORE test day!

If you have any questions, please see your counselor.

Thank you,
The Counseling Office

Mercy Counseling Department Staff 

Trish Brown (9th grade; Department Chairperson)  

Holly Markiecki-Bennetts (10^th - 12^th grade; A-G) 

Arpna Hessler (10^th - 12^th grade; H-O)

Kristen Casey (10^th - 12^th grade; P-Z)

Jennifer Burek (Support Specialist)