Students in the 9th, 10th and 11th grades will have a chance to take a pre-SAT test that should help them earn higher scores on their SATs.

The tests – which carry a fee of $15 – will be given at Biloxi High School on Wednesday, Oct. 14. About 120 tests are available.

“The PSAT will measure the same skills and have the same format, directions, and question types as the SAT,” said Libby Brookshire of the BHS Career Center. “On average, students who take the PSAT earn higher scores on the SAT than those who do not. Our hope is to increase the college-going culture at Biloxi High School.”

The online college and career-planning tools provided with the PSAT spark college-going aspirations and introduce students to opportunities available after high school, Brookshire said. “Students who take the PSAT receive free access to My College QuickStart, a personalized online college planning kit; and My Road, a comprehensive major and exploration tool that includes a personality profiler to help students find programs that fit their interests.”

All test takers will receive Score Report Plus, offering comprehensive, personalized feedback on their test performance. Students can see which questions they answered incorrectly and which academic skills they should work to improve.

Students who take the test in their junior year also may be eligible to enter the National Merit Scholarship Corporation's competitions for recognition and scholarships. High-achieving Hispanic and African American high school juniors may also enter other programs that give special recognition.

Parents and students can learn more at www.collegeboard.com/quickstart.

For more information on the test, visit the Career Center, or e-mail Libby.Brookshire@biloxischools.net.

Drill team win: The Biloxi High School Air Force ROTC emerged as the top team in the recent George County Drill Championships. To read about the top finishers, click here.

Homecoming history: Sarah Langford’s 5th period Biology I Prep class took an historic look at Biloxi Public Schools during a homecoming week contest. To learn more about the class's award-winning efforts and to see photos from homecoming, click here.

Schedule reminder: Biloxi Public Schools will not be in session Monday in observance of Columbus Day. To see the overall school calendar, click here.

Football: For the latest on Biloxi High School Indians football, click here.