PSAT Information
PSAT
PSAT Offered Free of Charge
GCPS students in grades 8, 10, and 11 will take the PSAT this October free of charge. Sophomores and Juniors will take the PSAT/NMSQT on October 22, while the PSAT 8/9 will take place on October 28 for students in grade 8.
Both PSATs are a part of College Board’s SAT Suite of Assessments and provide an opportunity for students to preview the test and gain insights into areas of strength and growth. The PSAT assessments not only signal college readiness but results will also include information about future careers and readiness for Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
Learn more about the PSAT 8/9 and PSAT/NMSQT.
All 10th students will take the PSAT/NMSQT® (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), an important step along their path to college. This test is provided for free to all 10th grade students in GCPS; 10th grade students will automatically be registered for the exam.
There is no make-up administration for students who are absent from testing. This test is excellent preparation for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), which is required by colleges and universities. 11th grade students must take the PSAT during their junior year in order to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
PSAT Registration for Home School Students
Schools will not register or test Home School students; they will be tested at limited testing location(s) by District staff.
Who: Home School students wishing to take the PSAT
What: Registration for PSAT for Home School students
When: Now through September 10
Where: Please direct any requests from Home School families to this page on the GCPS Website for registration information. Families can search for Home School PSAT on the GCPS Homepage to find the page.
There may be additional information about 11th grade students testing with no fee - stay tuned for that update to post as well.
College Board Accommodations
Testing accommodations students receive at school (through and IEP or 504) do not automatically apply to College Board assessments (PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, and AP exams). If your student will need accommodations for the PSAT, students and parents can make this request to College Board directly or request that the school submit the request. Please visit https://accommodations.collegeboard.org/request-accommodations/request for detailed information on how to submit accommodation requests.
Why should I take the PSAT/NMSQT?
The PSAT/NMSQT offers you the opportunity to qualify for scholarships that can help pay for college. Also, no matter what grade you’re in, the PSAT/NMSQT provides great practice for the SAT. You’ll also get personalized feedback on your skills to help you improve them before taking the SAT. In addition, you’ll receive free college planning tools to help you start your college search and information on the types of AP® courses for which you may be particularly well prepared.
The PSAT/NMSQT also connects you with colleges and universities across the country that are looking for students just like you. Just opt in to Student Search Service when you take the test.