PCS students have several opportunities to take PSAT/NMSQT.  Students who participate in these school-day assessments have the option to access results that include each question with the correct answer and their own answer.  Access to the questions and answers allows students to see the types of questions they have mastered and which formats or topics they need to continue to practice.  Please see Studying and Practicing for the PSAT/NMSQT

Additionally, the scores are aligned across the assessments so students can easily understand their annual growth.  Students can use their PSAT results to determine their academic goals and course selections, as well as link their PSAT results to a Khan Academy account for free, world-class personalized SAT Prep that is tailored to the skill level they have demonstrated on the PSAT. For these reasons, students should take advantage of each opportunity to take a PSAT in school. Please see PSAT Frequently Asked Questions.

The assessments provided for all PCS students, at NO COST, include the following: 

  9th Grade:  PSAT/NMSQT in October
10th Grade:  PSAT/NMSQT in October

11th Grade students are encouraged to OPT IN to take the PSAT/NMSQT in October of Junior year for a fee. By taking the PSAT/NMSQT as a junior, students may meet the requirements to enter the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. Additionally, the PSAT/NMSQT connects students to another $300 million in college scholarships for students across major demographics.  The 11th grade year is the only year in which the PSAT results can lead to National Merit and several other scholarship opportunities. Please see Why 11th Graders should take the PSAT.

Register now for your free online account with the College Board to access your PSAT scores as soon as they become available! This is the same account you will use to access AP Exam and SAT scores, as well as access BigFuture activities. Other commonly shared reasons for students to sit for these assessments are to connect to colleges and gain access to scholarships. Please see How to access your PSAT Results online.