PSAT/NMSQT

  • The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is an optional standardized test offered free to 11th graders at Highland each fall. It measures a student's skills and knowledge related to college and career readiness. 

    *** The SAT is a separate 4-year college exam unrelated to the ACT. The ACT is offered to juniors at Highland in March every school year.  

    Registration for the PSAT/NMSQT takes place in September and the test is taken in October. Registration was open for one week and we advertised in the parent newsletter, Schoology and by emailing students. Students and parent/guardians can always contact their counselor or the PSAT coordinator (Kenneth Zimmerman, see below) with questions about the test or registration.

     

    Important information for students taking the Fall 2023 PSAT:

    * The PSAT is now digital and will be taken on school-issued iPads  

    * The test location is the Highland Senior High fieldhouse

    * Students are expected to bring their fully-charged iPad on test day (power outlets are not available in the fieldhouse)

    * Students with last names A-J will test on Monday, October 16th

    * Students with last names K-Z will test on Tuesday, October 17th

    * Check-in for the test will begin inside the doors of the fieldhouse at 8:30am on test day

    * The total test time is 2 hours and 14 minutes, shorter than the previous paper-pencil version

    * There are two sections on the test: 

         Reading & Writing, 64 minutes, 54 questions

         Math, 70 minutes, 44 questions

    Items allowed in the fieldhouse during the test:

    Testing Device (school-issued iPad, fully charged with Bluebook app already downloaded)

    Sign-In Ticket (you will receive this at check-in)

    Pen or pencil for scratch paper (paper will be provided)

    Snack or Drinks (optional: must be stored under your table during testing)

    Calculator (optional: A calculator is embedded into the math section of the test in the Bluebook app, but you may use a handheld calculator if you prefer. A list of acceptable calculators can be found here  

    * Students MUST download the Bluebook testing app on their school iPad before test day:

    https://bluebook.collegeboard.org/technology/devices/ipad

    * Testers are encouraged to review the Student Guide before test day:

    https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/psat-nmsqt-student-guide.pdf

     

    Test Prep

    What's on the PSAT/NMSQT? 

    https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt/whats-on-the-test

    Everyone has access to a free full-length paper practice test: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt/preparing/practice-tests/paper

     

     

    PSAT/NMSQT Coordinator

    Kenneth Zimmerman

    Licensed School Counselor

    kenneth.zimmerman@spps.org (email is preferred)

    651-744-5693