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What is the PSAT test?
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a program cosponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). It's a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT. It also gives you a chance to enter NMSC scholarship programs and gain access to college and career planning tools.
Inside the Test
The PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 are highly relevant to your future success because they focus on the skills and knowledge at the heart of education. They’ll measure:
- What you learn in high school
- What you need to succeed in college
If you think the key to a high score is memorizing words and facts you’ll never use in the real world, think again. You don’t have to discover secret tricks or cram the night before.
- The best way to prepare for the test is to:
- Take challenging courses
- Do your homework
- Prepare for tests and quizzes
- Ask and answer lots of questions
In short, take charge of your education and learn as much as you can.
PSAT Test Taking Tips
Find out what kinds of questions you’ll see on the PSAT/NMSQT*. Where do you want to start?
*Information about the PSAT/NMSQT was taken from the College Board PSAT/NMSQT Website.
Getting your scores
Students will be able to access their scores and AP Potential information at studentscores.collegeboard.org.
Paper copies of student scores have been returned to students during February and March. Students can use the Access Code provided on the front cover of the Score Sheet to link PSAT scores to a College Board account. Students can then access numerous resources through the College Board website.
Parents, read this PSAT Tutorial to find out more about reading PSAT Scores.
What is the SAT test?
Inside the Test
Test day is here, and you’ve got everything you need: photo ID, pencils, calculator, snack — and the confidence that comes from knowing what to expect.
You’re On Your Way
One of our biggest goals in changing the SAT was to make sure it’s highly relevant to your future success. The new test is more focused on the skills and knowledge at the heart of education. It measures:
- What you learn in high school
- What you need to succeed in college
If you think the key to a high score is memorizing words and facts you’ll never use in the real world, think again. You don’t have to discover secret tricks or cram the night before.
The same habits and choices that lead to success in school will help you get ready for the SAT. The best way to prepare for the test is to:
- Take challenging courses.
- Do your homework.
- Prepare for tests and quizzes.
- Ask and answer lots of questions.
In short, take charge of your education and learn as much as you can.
And One More Thing
Know what to expect.
Find out what kinds of questions you’ll see on the new SAT and what the test will measure.* Where do you want to start?
*Information about the SAT was taken from the College Board SAT Website.
Khan Academy & the SATs
Khan Academy is partnering with the College Board so that all students who want to go to college can prepare for the PSAT & SAT at their own pace, at no cost.
The College Board just announced that they’re redesigning the SAT for 2016,and Khan Academy is partnering with them to make free, world-class prep materials.
What is the ACT test?
The ACT* test assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work.
The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science.
The Writing Test, which is optional, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay.
*Information about the ACT was taken from the ACT Student Website.
