OKCPS Free PSAT, SAT Expands To Include 8th, 9th Grades

The Oklahoma City Pubic School District will offer the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) free of charge to thousands of students this month.

According to OKCPS officials, new this year, students in 8th and 9th grade will be included for free testing in addition to students in 10th and 11th grades. Testing is scheduled for October 28 at each middle and high school in the district.

Officials said 8th though 11th grade students will also receive free Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT).

“This will give students and staff invaluable information on what our students need to do to be college ready. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students,” said Oklahoma City Public School Superintendent Rob Neu.

The PSAT is often called the practice SAT. Officials said it plays an important role in ensuring that students are college and career ready by helping educators track student progress. It also shows students what Advanced Placement (AP) courses they have potential to succeed in, opening up doors to earn college credit and save time and money. And, the test connects students of all backgrounds to millions of dollars in scholarship opportunities this year, in addition to the National Merit Scholarship Program.

In fall 2014, OKCPS partnered with The College Board to provide all sophomores and juniors the opportunity to test their skills on the PSAT free of charge during the school day. This partnership resulted in more than 2,800 sophomores and juniors participating and as a result 489 students were exempt from their End of Instruction (EOI), and another 240 students qualified to take Advanced Placement courses this school year.

OKCPS is expected to pay a little more than $205,500 to administer the tests to nearly 8,500 students (8th-11th grades).

The district plans to administer the PSAT again in the Spring.