College Board To Launch 8th Grade PSAT Test

New York, NY (AHN) - The College Board plans to pilot test a Preliminary SAT test for 8th grades to pinpoint talented students and place them in college-preparatory classes early.

Wayne Camara, vice president for research and analysis of the College Board, said the exam would be voluntary starting in 2010. The pilot test of the PSAT at middle school was prompted by the growing number of younger students listing for the PSAT.

The PSAT is now mandatory, although 3.4 million took the test in 2007. Critics said the 8th grade PSAT will add more pressure to students who want to go to college.

Camara said the test would be adjusted to suit the level of 8th-graders. "By the time they're taking the PSAT, it's much too late to determine whether they should be taking algebra in the eighth grade, biology, and other important gatekeeper classes needed for college... This test will help schools identify students who have some talent and could likely succeed if they take honors or AP courses, but have not been recognized," Camara told the Los Angeles Times.

LA United School District Senior Deputy Supt. Ramon Cortines said he proposed for the district to offer all 8th-graders the opportunity to take the PSAT when it is offered in 2010.