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PSAT Information

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SPS School-Day PSAT/NMSQT

Mark Your Calendars

Grade 11 PSAT/NMSQT

  • October 16-31, 2023: Test Window for School-Day PSAT/NMSQT for Grade 11 students. Ballard HS Testing Date TBD.
    • The College Board has transitioned the PSAT/NMSQT to a *Digital Exam and SPS High Schools will administer the PSAT/NMSQT during this window.
    • IMPORTANT: All Grade 11 students will be required to use their SPS devices for the PSAT/NMSQT. This will ensure that technical assistance can be provided on-site by SPS staff on the day of testing.
    • The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT/NMSQT) helps Juniors prepare for the SAT and is used to qualify students for scholarships and advanced learning opportunities. 
  • SPS students will be automatically registered for the PSAT/NMSQT.
  • SPS administers the PSAT/NMSQT assessments free of charge during a regular school day.

*The PSAT/NMSQT is offered digitally in October 2023 to Grade 11 students so that in later years when they will be taking the SAT when it is released in Digital they will be familiar with the digital testing experience. Learn more about the College Board Digital SAT launch.

Students have the opportunity to take the free PSAT/NMSQT test at Ballard HS. It is not required. Students not wishing to test will stay home on this day. Attendance will be taken and students who are not here will be marked absent unexcused unless a parent or guardian has excused them.

Visit the district SAT & PSAT Testing Information.

Next Steps & Scholarship Information

Practice Resources

National Merit Scholarship Program

The PSAT/NMSQT is the route of entry into the National Merit Scholarship Program for Juniors. Questions specific to National Merit Scholarship Program should be directed to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation or to College Board.

Free or Reduced Lunch (FRL) Benefits

The PSAT/NMSQT helps Juniors prepare for the SAT and is used to qualify students for scholarships and advanced learning opportunities. These tests are offered to all Juniors free of charge; no pre-registration is required.

Students who qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch (FRL) may be eligible to receive additional benefits from the College Board. In order to receive these benefits, applicants must check the box on the form for ‘Pre College Exams’ (section 7) and sign. Visit the district School Day PSAT page for more information.

Why Take the PSAT?

  • Provides valuable feedback on strengths and the skills necessary for college study. Students can then focus their preparation on areas that could most benefit from additional study or practice. The PSAT measures critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills and writing skills.
  • Gives insight on how a performance on an admissions test compares to others applying to college. Helps students prepare for the SAT. Students will become familiar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions they will see on the SAT.
  • Could help Juniors qualify for scholarships. The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) for Juniors is a program co-sponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corp. (NMSC).

Using/Understanding PSAT/NMSQT
Scores to Prepare for the SAT

Students will need to log onto their College Board accounts to view their PSAT/NMSQT scores and use them to prepare for the SAT. Refer to the College Board Getting Scores site for all the information you need and a video as well.

Students should receive their original PSAT test booklets in their Language Arts class. If you would like to learn more about how to understand your scores and get tips for preparing for the SAT or need assistance with your College Board account, come to the Ballard Counseling Center, the BHS counselors are there to help.

Grade 11 Juniors, to learn more about the SAT visit the Ballard HS SAT Information page. To understand your PSAT scores and how to link your test results with free Khan Academy practice tests tailored just for you to prepare for the SAT view video on the College Board site. In addition learn more information about practicing for the SAT on College Board as well.