12-13 Course Catalog - Oconee County Schools

guidelines, students may appeal to the state to waive the GHSGT in a certain area as a
requirement for graduation if the student cannot pass the test. It is important that students
participate in remediation opportunities after each failure on the test because this factor is
considered in granting waiver/variance requests. See your guidance counselor for more
information.
COLLEGE ENTRANCE TESTS
Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)
WHAT is it?
The PSAT/NMSQT prepares students to take the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and consists of
verbal, mathematics, and writing skills assessments. In the junior year the PSAT serves as the
qualifying test for both the National Merit Scholarship and the National Achievement
Scholarship Programs.
WHO should take it?
We recommend that all ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade students planning to attend college take
this test. A PSAT score is part of the application process for the Governor’s Honors Program
and is used for awarding some scholarships. All advanced test-takers need to take the PSAT in
the junior year.
WHEN is it given?
In October.
WHERE is it given?
At OCHS.
HOW do students register?
Full details will be announced each fall. Currently, students see the counseling secretary during
lunch, before, or after school to sign up. At present, there is no charge for ninth and tenth
graders to take this test. All other students pay the PSAT fee (about $15.00). When students sign
up with the counseling secretary to take the test, they receive a booklet containing test-taking tips
and a practice test. Students who want more information can visit www.collegeboard.com.
HOW are scores reported?
The scores are returned to the high school. The score-range is 20 to 80, one score for each of the
areas—verbal, mathematics, and writing skills. Counselors will give students their individual
score reports and the actual test. The students use this information to prepare for the SAT.
HOW is the PSAT used for the National Merit program?
A selection index score is derived from the PSAT scores and identifies the top one-half of one
percent of students in each state. These students become National Merit Semi-Finalists and may
go through the application process to compete to become finalists. Another high-scoring group
of students are recognized as commended students, though they cannot compete for the National
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