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Sophomore & Junior Parents/Guardians,
On Wednesday, October 22nd all Juniors will be taking the Digital PSAT via CollegeBoard and the Bluebook App, which already exists on Mercy student iPads. All Sophomores will be taking a Practice SAT Exam via Compass Test Prep on the same day and time. This test is also digital and Sophomores will receive communications directly from Compass with a testing exam link at least 24 hours before testing.
Test time will run from 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Although many students will not need the full time frame for testing, the testing window should allow for enough time for students testing with extended time accommodations. In the event that it does not, those students will be dismissed as soon as they are finished with their exam. All students have been sent the following information.
A few important notes for both classes to be prepared for test day:
- This is a Digital Test. You will need to have your iPad for the exam. Please make sure it is fully charged the night before the exam and bring a charger, just in case.
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Juniors - Be sure to access the Bluebook App well before test day. The app updates automatically when you open it and there is a recent update that you want to ensure happens before test day arrives so that you are properly prepared.
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Sophomores - It is highly encouraged that all students who are testing visit the test demo using your iPads, as you will be using your iPads for the exam. If you do not experience any issues with the demo, the test link sent by Compass will work fine on your iPad on the day of testing.
- It is critical that students who are testing be on time. You will be reporting directly to your testing room, as testing will start promptly at 8:00 AM. Attendance will take place in your testing room. Testing room confirmations will be sent within 48 hours of testing day.
- Students may dress comfortably and be out of uniform.
- Students should also bring a pen or pencil & scratch paper.
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Students must bring their own calculator. If you do not have a calculator, you can use the one built into your iPad.
- It's recommended that all test takers get a good night's rest the night before the test and eat a nice breakfast the morning of, to better prepare for the test.
- Students are free to go home once they have completed the exam.
Important Update to Calculator Policy:
"Effective for the October 2025 in-school PSAT-related assessments testing window, calculators with CAS functionality will no longer be allowed for tests within the SAT Suite of Assessments. We regularly review our calculator policy to ensure fairness to all students who take the SAT. As usage of CAS calculators evolves, their functionality provides users with distinct advantages over non-users for tests within the SAT Suite of Assessments. This policy update reflects both changes in calculator usage and the feedback of educators, students, and families."
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CollegeBoard Calculator Guidelines: A built-in Desmos calculator is available for the entire Math section. The calculator is provided in the Bluebook practice test to allow you to practice with it before the test.
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Another option: open an extra web browser window and use the free one at https://www.desmos.com/calculator. Details regarding what calculators are acceptable can be found here: psat.org/calculator
Thank you on behalf of the Mercy Counseling Department.
Holly Markiecki-Bennetts (Last names A-C): hbennetts@mhsmi.org.
Arpna Hessler (Last names D-E; H-O): abhessler@mhsmi.org
Kristen Casey (Last names F-G; P-Z): kkcasey@mhsmi.org
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