• is required for freshman entry into many universities
• aids students in earning scholarships toward college education
• Students take the test at no cost on SAT Day in March

• prepares students and improves performance on the SAT
• helps you discover majors and careers based on your interests and test results
• gives feedback on college readiness and grants access to tools to help you improve
• could help you potentially qualify to be in the National Merit Scholar program
• increases your access to AP and college credit based on score
• gets you connected to scholarships based on your score
• may get you invited to participate in invitation-only test programs if you are a top-performing student

To get the most value out of their testing experience, students with documented disabilities have the opportunity to request assistance for their tests in the form of an accommodation. 

Accommodations for PSAT/NMSQT, SAT and AP exams

For students taking the PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, and AP exams, parents must make accommodation requests through the process provided by the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) within the College Board. Only students with an active 504 or IEP in place will qualify for accommodations on College Board exams. The request must meet the College Board’s time deadlines and qualifications. Parents only need to make one request for all exams. Once approved, these accommodations will apply to all College Board exams, including the PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, and AP tests.

Accommodations for Emergent Bilinguals

Emergent Bilinguals may be able to receive accommodations on our scheduled PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School days.  Each campus will identify the Emergent Bilinguals who qualify to receive the accommodations, and parents will be required to sign a parental consent form in order for the student to receive the accommodations on these exams.  The only accommodations Emergent Bilinguals may receive are 50% extended time and the use of a bilingual glossary on the entire test.

How accommodations work

Garland ISD does not make the determination regarding accommodations.  The College Board determines if the student is eligible and for which accommodations they can receive.  Please be aware that current (3 years or less) documentation may be required to be submitted when making an accommodation request to the College Board.

Please contact Carrie Whitaker for more information.

Yes, but only for the PSAT/NMSQT on October 22, 2025. Tests will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Students must be supervised by a GISD staff member at all times while on campus.

Home-schooled students must follow district procedures to take the PSAT/NMSQT during the regular school day at a Garland ISD campus. These students must:

• Live within the boundaries of Garland ISD (proof of residency required)
• Be in 10th or 11th grade
• Must have a photo ID

If you are interested in taking the PSAT/NMSQT and meet the requirements, please contact Carrie Whitaker by September 1, 2025.

Please do not reach directly out to the high school campus. For more information, see the PSAT/NMSQT 2025 Homeschool Policy.

Have questions? Talk to your campus administrator or testing coordinator.

For information on testing procedures, contact the Research, Assessment, and Accountability department.

To learn more about test preparation, contact Advanced Academics.

For more information about the tests, visit the College Board website.

We also have past presentations with information:

• Roadmap to College Resource (PDF)