PSAT Testing On The Rise In Indiana

For Indiana sophomores, preparation is key. Indiana now has more 10th graders taking the PSAT than any other state.

"If you have a mediocre grade-point-average then they have more importance” says Bruce Ottenweller, Director of the Fort Wayne Sylvan Learning Center.

In 2008 just about 50-percent of Hoosier sophomores took the PSAT. Last year it jumped to 82-percent. Now this year it's nearly 90-percent. That includes all Fort Wayne Community 10th graders.

"This is the first year we've had all of our students take it” says Krista Stockman, Fort Wayne Community Schools Spokesperson.

School officials say a few things contribute to the spike. One is funding.

"In the past either the school district had to pay for it or the students had to pay for it and in this economy a lot of students can't afford it, school districts couldn't to pay for all the students” says Ottenweller.

Another reason is scholarship money.

"If you are a fairly high-level student and you can score well on these tests then you could potentially qualify for the national merit scholarships” says Ottenweller.

Also, more students are now heading to college.

"Kids are realizing that they need something past high school to be competitive in the job market” says Ottenweller.

And with more heading to college, getting accepted into your dream school has become harder.  The PSAT prepares students for the sat and a higher SAT score could be that extra boost that makes you stand out in the crowd.

The state also strongly encourages 11th graders to take the PSAT. But the test is only fully covered for Indiana 10th graders. Juniors who want to take the test can pay $13 or apply for a fee waiver.