The Digital PSAT/NMSQT (2023)
The PSAT/NMSQT is now digital! The test is easier to take, shorter, has more time per question, and comes with a built-in calculator. It can also qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship Program and other scholarships.
Testing Day Q&As
Who is taking the PSAT/NMSQT?
- All 10th and 11th grade students are automatically registered for this exam
- SELECT 9th graders (2 or more years of advanced math) who already paid and registered.
What day is the PSAT/NMSQT?
- Wednesday, October 11, 2023
- For all other students (9th and 12th grade) this is a Student Holiday
What time/how long is the test?
- Students will report to campus at the normal time of 8:45. Testing should begin by 9 AM and conclude by 12:30 PM.
- Note that this is the first year the exam will be given in the digital format, therefore this timing is only an estimate.
Will transportation be provided?
- Yes, buses will pick up at the normal times and buses will pick up from FHS at the conclusion of the test (specific times TBD).
What does my student need to bring?
- Their FISD issued and fully charged Chromebook and charger.
- OR their personal device that meets the specifications below (See Technology Requirements)
Will there be a makeup PSAT/NMSQT if my student is absent?
- Makeup exams for the PSAT/NMSQT will only be ordered for 11th grade students. If an 11th grader is absent for the test and wants to take a makeup exam, they need to email Delaney Lyon at dlyon@fisdk12.net within 24 hours of missing the exam.
PSAT/NMSQT Mandatory Digital Readiness Check (updated on 9/27)
Please read this information carefully to learn about the Technology Requirements for the Digital PSAT/NMSQT to be given on October 11th and the Special Schedule on October 4th.
Why will we be on a special schedule on Wednesday, October 4th?
In order to prepare for the Digital PSAT on Wednesday, October 11, students taking the PSAT/NMSQT will be required to complete the PSAT Digital Readiness Check to ensure that their device for testing is ready.
What is the special schedule?
All students will report to their Homeroom on Wednesday, October 4 from 11:12-11:42 AM.
What if I am not taking the PSAT?
Students not taking the PSAT (majority of 9th graders and all 12th graders) will complete a lesson from the Counseling Center.
What do I need to bring to my Homeroom on October 4th?
Your FISD-issued Chromebook (fully charged) or your personal device that you plan to use for testing with the BlueBook app already installed ready to use.
Can I use my own personal device to take the PSAT?
Yes. See specifications for personal devices below.
Technology Requirements
Can I use my own device to take the PSAT?
Yes
What type of device can I use?
Students may use Macbooks with OS 11.4 or newer or Windows 10 or 11 devices. NO personal chromebooks may be used for testing. See specifics below.
What do I need to do to prepare my own device?
Make sure it is updated to the information listed below
Download the BlueBook app (directions linked here).
Once you have completed the the two steps above, you MUST go to Mrs. Pearce in room 1414 no later than Tuesday, October 3rd at 2:30 PM and show that you completed the two steps above. Once you do this, you will receive a confirmation that your device has been checked and is ready for the Digital Readiness Check on 10/4.
Personal Device Specifications
Mac Specifications
macOS 11.4 + (Big Sur and newer)
Minimum Hardware Specifications
1 GHZ processor
2 GB RAM
150 MB free hard drive space for the exam
Monitor/Screen Display
Minimum screen size: 10 inches
Minimum screen resolution: 1024 x 768
Second monitor not permitted
External wired mice are allowed
External Keyboards are not allowed
Device must hold a charge for at least 3 hours
Windows Specifications
Supports OS Windows 10 and 11
Minimum Hardware specifications
1 GHZ processor
2 GB RAM
250 MB free hard drive space for exam
Monitor/Screen Display
Minimum laptop screen size: 10 inches
Minimum screen resolution: 1024 x 768
Second monitor not permitted
Wired Mice are allowed
External keyboards are not allowed
Device must hold a charge for at least 3 hours
Why Take the PSAT/NMSQT
Why Take the PSAT/NMSQT?
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is more than good practice for the SAT, and the scores are more than just a number. With your results you can:
- See Your Progress: If you've already taken the PSAT 8/9 or PSAT 10, you'll be able to track your improvement. See your scores here.
- Set a Target: With insights about your knowledge and skills, set your own target SAT score. Get tips for target scores here.
Get Your AP Potential: Access personalized recommendations about AP courses that are a good fit. Learn about AP Potential here.
Enter the National Merit Scholarship Program
Students who take the PSAT/NMSQT and meet other program entry requirements specified in the PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide will enter the National Merit Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Here is the guide to the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Help Pay for College
Our scholarship partners use the PSAT/NMSQT to find students qualified to apply for their programs. These organizations give out over $300 million in combined awards every year. Learn more here.
BigFuture School is a free mobile app that delivers PSAT/NMSQT scores right to your mobile phone. You'll also get customized career information and guidance about planning and paying for college. Based on your school or district, you may also be able to use the Connections™ feature, which lets you hear from nonprofit colleges, scholarships and educational organizations that are interested in you.
What is New about the PSAT/NMSQT This Year?
The PSAT/NMSQT is now digital! The test is easier to take, shorter, has more time per question, and comes with a built-in calculator. It can also qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship Program and other scholarships.
Fast Facts About the PSAT/NMSQT
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is structured similarly to the SAT.
It has the same sections and timing, and measures the Reading and Writing and Math skills needed to succeed in college and career.
Bluebook™ App and Device Information
In preparation for taking the digital SAT, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the Bluebook testing application as well as the approved devices and operating system requirements. You'll also need details on borrowing a device if one isn't available to you.
Bluebook Testing App
Bluebook must be installed before test day. This digital testing application supports testing on Mac and Windows devices, iPads, and school-managed Chromebooks.
Download BluebookDevice Readiness
Device specifications and installation instructions vary by device type and test. Ensure that the device you plan to use on test day meets the required specifications.
The PSAT/NMSQT includes a Reading and Writing Section and a Math Section.
How the PSAT/NMSQT Is Structured
The PSAT/NMSQT takes 2 hours and 14 minutes and consists of 2 sections: (1) the Reading and Writing Section, and (2) the Math Section. Most of the questions are multiple choice, though some math questions ask you to write in the answer rather than select it.
PSAT/NMSQT Practice
Official Digital SAT Prep on Khan Academy® is also a good resource for the PSAT/NMSQT. It's free, comprehensive, and available to all students.
Take a free, full-length practice test on Bluebook, or try a few sample questions in the test preview.
Get free, downloadable practice tests online or on paper.
Resources for the PSAT/NMSQT
- Review the PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide
- Review the Parent's Guide to the Digital PSAT/NMSQT (English)
- Review the Parent's Guide to the Digital PSAT/NMSQT (Spanish)
- Read the Blog: All About PSAT/NMSQT
Accommodations for Digital Testing
If you're planning to take the digital SAT or PSAT and require testing accommodations, here you can find information on how to register with accommodations, learn what accommodations are available on test day, and more.
If you need test accommodations for the digital SAT or PSAT, you must get College Board approval.
Important Notes:
- Some accommodations may be administered differently on digital tests than on paper and pencil tests. For example, instead of a human reader, you may need a screen reader. Go to Using Accommodations on Digital Tests to see how your accommodations will be given on digital tests.
- If you need to change your accommodations, contact Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) as soon as possible but no later than 5 days before test day. Please note that accommodations cannot be added or waived on test day.
Instructions
Apply for accommodations. Email K. Cawthorn at kcawthorn@fisdk12.net if your student is serviced through 504 or Samantha Eubanks at seubanks@fisdk12.net if your student is serviced through Special Education.
The Accommodations website has information about eligibility and how to apply. It can take up to seven weeks for accommodations to be approved, so start the process as early as possible.
Register for the SAT with accommodations.
Once you're approved for accommodations, during registration, you'll need to confirm whether you want to use your accommodation(s) for the SAT.Learn how your accommodations will be provided on the digital SAT and PSAT.
Make sure you understand how your accommodations will be given on the digital SAT and PSAT. See Using Accommodations on Digital Tests for more information.Ensure that your accommodations are listed on your admission ticket.
If they're not, call Services for Students with Disabilities at 212-713-8333 as soon as possible once your admission ticket appears in the Bluebook™ app.
Advice for Students and Families (Learn More About Selecting the Right Accommodation for Your Child)
281-996-6542