Image
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
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
-
helps middle school students plan for high school
-
can be used to identify potential students for Pre-AP and AP classes
-
helps students qualify for magnet programs
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. 25-29** | Sept. 1 |
| PSAT 9 | Oct. 26 | Sept. 1 |
| PSAT/NMSQT | Oct. 26 | Aug. 9 |
| Fall SAT*** (grade 12) |
Oct. 28 | Aug. 9 |
| Spring SAT (grade 11) |
April 13 | Feb. 1 |
| AP | May 2-13 | Dec. 17 |
*These are the dates that the request must be made to the testing coordinator at the campus.
**Specific dates will be determined by each campus.
***This date is only for current students in grade 12 who did not test in the spring of 2021.
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
For students taking the PSAT 8/9, parents may request accommodations per the student's 504 or IEP plan. Parents must contact the middle or high school testing coordinator by Sept. 1.
Accommodations for PSAT/NMSQT, SAT and AP exams
For students taking the PSAT/NMSQT, SAT and AP exams, accommodation requests must be made by parents through the process provided by the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) within the College Board. The request must meet College Board’s deadlines. Parents only need to make one request for all exams. Once approved, these accommodations will apply to all College Board exams, including PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, AP, and CLEP.
The SSD Coordinator at each high school campus will work with parents to facilitate the process for testing accommodation requests; however, Garland ISD does not make the determination regarding accommodations. College Board determines if the student is eligible and for which accommodations he/she is eligible to receive. Please be aware that current (3 years or less) documentation will be required to be submitted when making the accommodation request through SSD.
Can homeschooled students test?
Yes. We are offering the PSAT/NMSQT for 10th & 11th graders on Tuesday, October 26, 2021.
Contact the Assistant Principal/Testing Coordinator at the nearest high school by September 1, 2021 for information and to register. We cannot guarantee the availability of tests for homeschool students after September 1.
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:
Contact us
For more information, contact: