PSAT/SAT

The SAT and SAT Subject Tests are a suite of tools designed to assess your academic readiness for college. These exams provide a path to opportunities, financial support and scholarships, in a way that's fair to all students. The SAT and SAT Subject Tests keep pace with what colleges are looking for today, measuring the skills required for success in the 21st century.

The SAT doesn’t test logic or abstract reasoning. It tests the skills you’re learning in school: reading, writing and math. Your knowledge and skills in these subjects are important for success in college and throughout your life.

• The critical reading section includes reading passages and sentence completions.
• The writing section includes a short essay and multiple-choice questions on identifying errors and improving grammar and usage.
• The mathematics section includes questions on arithmetic operations, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability.

The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a program cosponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). It's a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT®. It also gives you a chance to enter NMSC scholarship programs and gain access to college and career planning tools. You have developed these skills over many years, both in and out of school and doesn't require you to recall specific facts from your classes.

SAT®

When's the Best Time to Take the SAT?

The SAT and other College Board tests are offered several times a year. Most students take the SAT for the first time during the spring of their junior year and a second time during the fall of their senior year.

SAT & Subject Tests Dates

SAT Preparation

Be sure to practice with the various SAT Preps available on the web. Of course, CollegeBoard provides you with a few practice tests on the Practive Section of the website.

Another great website that provides students with practice exams is MajorTests.com.

Review the sample questions to help familiarize yourself with the SAT test.

SAT Structure

Visit SAT's website for SAT® Test to get test tips, free copy of practice test, and college planning advice.

SAT Fee Waiver Form

The College Board offers fee waivers for students who are unable to pay test fees themselves. Schools must identify eligible students from low-income families and request fee waivers on their behalf.

There is a limited quantity of fee waivers available for each test administration, so schools should request fee waivers early and estimate their needs carefully to ensure an equitable distribution of waivers. Fee waivers are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and may not be available after June 15.

Read more to find out if you qualify at:

• SAT Fee Waivers
• PSAT/NMSQT Fee waivers

Check with your counselor early as funds are limited each year and won't be available once depleted. Visiting with your counselor is the only way to obtain a fee waiver.

PSAT/NMSQT®

Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test

This test provides high school students with an understanding of expectations of the SAT. The length of the exam is two hours and is usually given in October. Students who take this test can qualify for the Ventures Scholars Program.

PSAT Structure

Visit PSAT/NMSQT® to get test tips, and college planning advice.

Search using the PSAT/NMSQT High School Search to find Schools in your area giving the PSAT/NMSQT.

By taking the PSAT/NMSQT, you may qualify to enter the competitions for prestigious scholarships and participate in recognition programs.

Students that have taken the PSAT can register or be nominated for the Ventures Scholars Program.