On October 16, 2019, all students in grade 9 will take the Preliminary SAT 8/9 (PSAT 8/9) and students in grades 10 and 11 will take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Both assessments are aligned to the SAT and measure the skills and knowledge that are essential for college and career readiness.

A Student Data Questionnaire (SDQ) is included in both PSAT versions. The SDQ consists of basic information for reporting scores (name, student id, school, sex and birth date) and a set of optional personal questions. Information on the data collected and how it can be used by CollegeBoard is located in the following student guides:

• PSAT 8/9 (Grade 9)
• PSAT/NMSQT (Grade 10/11)

As part of the SDQ, your child will be asked if they would like to share their personal questionnaire responses with eligible colleges, universities, scholarships and educational opportunity programs (Item 14 for PSAT 8/9 and Item 15 for PSAT/NMSQT). It is optional and voluntary for students to complete the questionnaire and share the information. We recommend that you review the questionnaire items with your child and discuss how you would like them to respond.

There no make-up date for the PSAT and testing will begin promptly at the beginning of school.

What will Seniors do on PSAT Day?

Seniors are encouraged to choose one of the following activities:

• Use the day to make other college visits with family or work on college applications and essays at home. Families may use one of their discretionary leave days (please send a note in with your student).
• Seniors who do come to school on October 16, 2019, will go to the Media Center to work on college applications and essays, with teacher support.
• Seniors who attend ARL are expected to attend ARL classes on October 16, 2019.

What are the advantages of PSAT participation and results?

• The PSAT helps students prepare for the SAT. Students can become familiar with the test format and test question types. Also, student scores predict SAT performance and can help with choices about further student preparation.
• The PSAT registration also allows qualifying participants to be entered into scholarship and recognition programs (grades 10-11).
• The PSAT is an introduction to many of the requirements for college and career-readiness.
• Students will begin to receive information from colleges and universities as they explore their options.
• Student performance will help to identify needed skill development and areas for improvement.

Students:  Please remember to get a good night's sleep, eat a balanced breakfast, and report to school on time. Also, students should remember a calculator for use during the test! No calculators will be distributed or delivered to students on test day! Please arrive on time!

Please contact Patrick Crouse with questions about the PSAT.  

Students with Testing Accommodations:
Some students receive testing accommodations at the high school due to a disability documented through a 504 Plan or IEP.  These accommodations do not automatically apply to the PSAT or SAT.  All accommodations must be approved by College Board.  It is often recommended for students to take the PSAT without accommodations.  This helps students and their parents to determine if the accommodations will be beneficial on the actual SAT. Please speak with your guidance counselor and/or case manager for additional information on the application/approval process.