PSAT Testing Information

2024-25

**EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:  Scores will NOT be sent by email.  Students will be expected to create and maintain a College Board account .  If you need help please view this video or contact College Board directly. Accessing scores video tutorial:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I6f51n3-dc.

The PSAT/NMSQT test administration will be digital for all 10th and 11th graders Fall 2024.

Parents/guardians have a deadline of Monday, August 5, 2024, to return input and consent forms for new or amended College Board testing accommodations (PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day) or one-time EL supports (SAT School Day only). The school SSD Coordinator, Darin Byrd must document and submit accommodation requests to the College Board. 

Note that:

  • This fall, the PSAT/NMSQT will be delivered digitally.  Students MUST used a SCHOOL ISSUED DEVICE to take the assessment.  Personal Devices cannot be used for College Board or State testing. Some accommodations are administered differently on digital tests than for paper/pencil tests. Differences are highlighted in Using Accommodations on Digital Tests.
  • Remember that students with accommodations previously approved by College Board SSD do not need to resubmit the request.

What to Expect with the Digital PSAT/NMSQT

How To Access Your Scores

Students can access their scores through their college board account.  If you are unsure how to access your scores, visit the website linked here.  If you are unable to find your score or have multiple accounts that need to be merged, follow the directions linked here.  School counselors and the testing office will not be distributing scores; students were encouraged to create a College Board account tied to their email prior to October 9.  If you have further issues with accessing your scores, please call College Board at 866-433-7728.

PSAT/NMSQT for all 10th and 11th graders on Wednesday, October 9, 2024

On Wednesday, October 9 LBSS will host the PSAT/NMSQT for all 10th and 11th graders.  Students are automatically registered and no further action by families is needed.  All 10th and 11th grade students who report to school on Wednesday, October 9 will take the PSAT/NMSQT at no cost to families.  Students will receive their testing locations through their fcpsschools.net email in early October.

All FCPS students have access to Varsity Tutors and Khan Academy’s free online test preparation, whether they are taking the PSAT for the first time or preparing for eleventh grade National Merit Scholarship qualification. Varsity Tutors provides live tutoring services, including PSAT preparation.  Khan Academy provides a library of practice questions, videos, lessons, plus test taking tips and strategies. Students will also have access to full length paper tests and digital PSAT practice tests via the College Board Bluebook App. Students will participate in a PSAT “Digital Readiness Check” advisory lesson to ensure devices are prepared for digital testing.

Check out the 2024 PSAT Student Guide (paper copies are no longer available)

 

Calculators

Students are able to BRING their own graphing calculator to the test provided the calculator meets College Board Criteria

Calculators will not be loaned out as the Desmos calculator is embedded into the digital test

What is the schedule for October 9, 2024 and who attends school?

  • October 9 is a 2-hour early release day for high schools and secondary schools. 
  • This will be an unscheduled school day for 9th graders and 12th graders that do not register for the SAT
  • 7th and 8th grade students will attend school with a revised schedule to be released closer to October 9.
  • PSAT/NMSQT administration begins in the morning, according to regular school start times.  
  • High school academy courses are not held on October 9; high school academy staff support base school activities, and all high school shuttles are canceled on this date.
  • Grab and go lunch will be available in the cafeteria at 12:30 pm following testing.  Dismissal will take place at 12:45 pm

What does my student need to bring to school for the test?

  • Students must bring their FULLY CHARGED SCHOOL ISSUED device (personal laptops cannot be used for PSAT/NMSQT administration as it will not be secure nor does it have the appropriate testing platform.  Students must bring their own chargers as schools do not have extra chargers.  If students arrive to school without their devices, they will be excused from the test with no opportunity to make up.  Schools do not have ample supplies to lend to students.
  • Pencils to write or do work on scratch paper if needed
  • Snacks and water 

What is prohibited from the testing room?

  • Personal Laptops
  • Electronic equipment including phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, wearable technology, cameras, recording or listening devices, or any other type of electronic or communication device except for their testing device used for the digital test and, if applicable, any assistive technology as part of an approved accommodation.
  • Books, reference guides, notes, compasses, rulers, protractors, dictionaries, highlighters, or colored pencils.
  • Papers of any kind.
  • Watches that beep, make a noise, or have an alarm.
  • Calculators that aren't acceptable.
  • Detachable privacy screens.
  • Reference guides, keyboard maps, or other typing instructions.
  • Ear plugs.
  • Brimmed caps, which may be worn into the testing room but must be removed and stored under the student's desk during testing.
    Note: Hoodies have to be down during testing.
  • Ear buds.
  • Headphones (unless approved for a screenreader/text-to-speech).

Bringing/using any of these items results in an irregularity and all scores will be cancelled with no makeups/retakes.