PSAT and SAT
The PSAT and SAT tests are given by the College Board to measure college readiness and affect entry into post-graduate programs.
What is the PSAT and SAT?
The PSAT 8/9, PSAT/NMSQT, and SAT are standardized tests administered by the College Board to measure college and career readiness through assessing reading, math, and writing skills.
Students are able to take the PSAT 8/9, PSAT/NMSQT, and SAT at no cost if taken on provided district-wide test days.
Note: We no longer use Clever.
What's your SAT target?
Make it easier to meet your Texas college target by taking SAT scores seriously. Good scores could earn you:
- 1600: Automatic admission and scholarships up to a full ride
- 1200: Automatic admission and up to $24,000
- 1000: Automatic admission and up to $10,000
See Texas scholarship opportunities to get started.
Benefits of the test
Expand AllSAT
- is required for freshman entry into many universities
- aids students in earning scholarships towards college education
- 11th-grade students take the test at no cost on SAT Day in March
PSAT/NMSQT
- 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 score
- may get you invited to participate in invitation-only test programs if you were a top-performing student
PSAT 8/9
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helps middle school students plan for high school
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can be used to identify potential students for Pre-AP and AP classes
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helps students qualify for magnet programs
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students in grades 8 and 9 can take the test at no cost on PSAT 8/9 Day in October
Preparing for the test
Studies show that student performance improves significantly on tests like the SAT with practice. Students can get ready for the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT with Khan Academy and the PSAT Boot Camp. Learn more on the College test prep page.
Students who take tests on our district dates will have the exam paid in full by the district. See below for accommodation deadlines and testing dates:
Test | Test Date | Accommodation request deadline* |
---|---|---|
PSAT 8 | Oct. 23 | Aug. 19 |
PSAT 9 | Oct. 23 | Aug. 19 |
PSAT/NMSQT | Oct. 23 | Aug. 19 |
SAT (grade 11) | April 2, 2025 | Feb. 1, 2025 |
*These are the dates that the request must be made to the testing coordinator at the campus.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Expand AllHow do I request accommodations for testing?
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 8/9, PSAT/NMSQT, SAT and AP exams
For students taking the PSAT 8/9, 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 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 8/9, PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, and AP.
Accommodations for Emergent Bilinguals
Emergent Bilinguals may be able to receive accommodations on our scheduled PSAT 8/9 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. College Board determines if the student is eligible and for which accommodations he/she can receive. Please be aware that current (3 years or less) documentation may be required to be submitted when making an accommodation request to College Board.
Please contact Carrie Whitaker for more information.
Can home-schooled students test? How can home-schooled students get registered?
Yes, but only for the PSAT/NMSQT on October 23, 2024.
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 at cawhitak@garlandisd.net or 972-487-3209 by September 1, 2024.
Please do not reach directly out to the high school campus.
How can I get more information?
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: