Newsbrief: PSAT answer sheets recovered, scores distributed

The College Board has recovered, scored and distributed Blair's PSAT answer sheets from the October administration of the test.

The scores from the recovered sheets, which were quarantined in the Hamilton postal facility near Trenton, New Jersey, will be used as the 2001-2002 school year scores for all official matters including National Merit Scholar semifinalist placement, taking precedence over scores from the February makeup test.

Scores from the February test were distributed to students several weeks ago with the understanding that if October scores were found by May 15, the February scores would be invalidated. The College Board recieved the scores on May 15.

Many students experienced significant score changes as a result of the new development, with some reporting losses of up to 25 points. An informal Silver Chips Online poll showed that most students were either relatively unaffected or negatively affected by the change.

Students were notified of the discovery in an announcement near the end of seventh period on Friday, the 17th. The October answer sheets were scored and results were distributed to students on May 30 and 31.

Any questions about this situation or individual scores should be directed to guidance staff. More information about the PSAT/NMSQT can be found online at the website of the College Board, at http://www.collegeboard.com or the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, at http://www.nationalmerit.org.