June 2012

Dear Stagg Junior Scholar:

Stagg juniors will take the PSAT/ NMSQT in October of 2012. For high-ability juniors, the exam is a

qualifier for the National Merit Scholarship, the most prestigious of academic awards. Colleges, universities

and corporations award scholarships based on the results of this exam. Our test preparation program – PSAT

240 – has given Stagg juniors the competitive edge on this critical exam since 1988.

Give yourself the edge. A leader in Midwest test preparation, ExcelEdge knows how to increase your score.

We can show you exactly what to expect on the PSAT/ NMSQT; we can teach you how to pace yourself,

narrow choices and answer items efficiently. Engaging instructors who are state-certified will teach you

effective offensive and defensive test strategies. You will practice these strategies on authentic PSAT/

NMSQT exams. Teachers will analyze your responses with you, enabling you to hone your skills. We will

steer you to additional drills in the textbook to ramp up your review. To see what our schools, our parents, and

the graduates of our programs have said, please visit our web site: www.exceledgeinc.com.

Expect results. Our data that compares sophomore year to junior year results proves that National Merit

Semifinalists and Commended Scholars who have participated in PSAT 240 have doubled the growth in

scores predicted by the College Board. Honors students with outstanding grades in their freshman and

sophomore years have the potential to be competitive for National Merit Scholarship Program recognition,

and we are inviting the top 100 students in Stagg’s Class of 2014 to join us.

Register for PSAT 240 in two ways. To join our program, which will be held at Stagg High School, please

complete the PSAT 240 Registration page. Include a check for $265 made payable to Stagg. Deliver your

completed paperwork to the Stagg Cashier. If you prefer to register online and pay by credit card, please visit

the ExcelEdge web site – www.exceledgeinc.com. Registration begins on July 1 and closes on August 10.

We will guarantee enrollment to all students who meet the deadline.

Wednesdays, 6-8:30 or 6:30-9 p.m. – 8/29, 9/5, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10

Register for ACT 36. Just a note for those of you who are thinking ahead… In the spring of 2013, you will

take the ACT. Our program – ACT 36 – will be offered to all juniors beginning at the end of January on

Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings at Stagg and on Wednesday evenings at Andrew. Our classes will

give you in-depth practice for the April ACT and PSAE. Look for registration information in the fall.

Contact us with any question. If you have any question, please feel free to phone Mr. Greg Gornik, Director

of Guidance at Stagg, 708-974-7420; or Carol Talabay or David Talabay of ExcelEdge, 219-838-0740/

www.exceledgeinc.com.

We look forward to sharing our game plan for success with Stagg honors students in the Class of 2014. Enjoy

your summer!

Sincerely,

Carol L. Talabay

PSAT 240

Our Program. PSAT 240 is a test preparation program created for high-caliber students. It is grounded in two decades

of research and shaped by best instructional practices. By focusing on test content, strategy and pacing, the program gives

students the confidence necessary to perform at an optimum level on the PSAT/NMSQT. Because juniors apply strategies

to authentic exams at each class, working through three complete tests in the program, students learn to think like the test

maker, enabling scholars to show their very best to colleges and scholarship programs. PSAT 240 gives these juniors a

winning edge.

The Critical Reading classes focus on

PSAT/ NMSQT Vocabulary

Sentence Completion Items

Critical Reading Passages

The Mathematics classes focus on

Math Essentials:

Numbers and Operations

Algebra and Functions

Geometry and Measurement

Data Analysis, Probability and Statistics

Standard Multiple-Choice Items

Student-Produced Response Items

The Writing Skills classes focus on

Strengthening Grammar and Rhetorical Skills

Improving Sentences

Identifying Sentence Errors

Improving Paragraphs

Our Teachers. PSAT 240 teachers are content specialists, thoroughly trained and fully-certified. More than just

knowledgeable, ExcelEdge staff members are personable and well-liked by students they teach. Working with groups of

about 20 students, a team of two teachers helps students acquire the skills necessary for exam success.

Our Students. PSAT 240 participants have said

I give a whole hearted thumbs up to my teachers! The class is superbly designed to demystify the PSAT.

I was pleased with the teachers and the program. The strategies taught to pick apart the PSAT were

effective and made the test far less complex. I really feel that I am prepared to take the PSAT. Thank you

for a great program. It was money well spent!

After taking this course, I am absolutely sure that my PSAT/NMSQT score will go from a pretty decent

score to an outstanding score.

Not just test preparation ... New ways of thinking

PSAT 240 Registration ‘12 Stagg H. S.

Please complete this registration form to enroll. Class lists will be posted in your Guidance Office before

classes begin to remind you of your starting date, room assignment and class time.

PERSONAL DATA: PLEASE PRINT.

Name:______________________________________________ __Male:______ Female: ______

Home Address: Street Number_____________________________________________________

City________________________State_____ Zip________

Phone:(home)_______________Parent at work(name)_____________ (phone)_____________

Parent E-mail address: _____________________ Student E-mail address: ___________________

STUDENT COMMITMENT: I understand that PSAT 240 requires regular attendance and

homework completion in order to benefit the most from the program.

Student's Signature: ______________________________________________________________

PARENT RELEASE: I authorize my child's school to give ExcelEdge, Inc., a copy of my student's

PSAT/ NMSQT score. I understand that this information will be used only for research and will remain

confidential.

Parent's Signature: ________________________________________________________________

CLASS SCHEDULE: PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR. Please select your

preferred time slot, indicating a first choice (1) and a second choice (2):

Wednesdays (8/29 to 10/10) - no time preference _____

Wednesdays (8/29 to 10/10) - 6:00-8:30 p.m. _____

Wednesdays (8/29 to 10/10) - 6:30-9:00 p.m. _____

PAYMENT: Please include a check for $265 made payable to Stagg High School, and attach it to this

form. Completed registrations should be delivered or mailed to the Cashier at Stagg H.S. before August 10. If you prefer to register online and pay by credit card, please visit the ExcelEdge web site –

www.exceledgeinc.com . Registration begins on July 1 and closes on August 10. We guarantee placement

to all students who register by that time. We will not issue refunds once the program is underway. We

look forward to giving you the 240 edge!