PSAT/NMSQT
Do Your 20
Why does the PSAT/NMSQT Matter?
You'll take the PSAT/NMSQT as a Sophomore and as a Junior and there are many benefits to taking this test both years.
Prepares you for the SAT®
Access to free, personalized, and focused practice through Khan Academy®
Access to college and career planning tools
Discover AP® courses that might be a good choice
Receive admission & financial aid information from colleges
Enter the National Merit Scholarship Program
Why Does the SAT Matter?
You'll take the SAT in the Spring of your Junior year as an NISD student. But you can take the SAT more than once if you want to. Another college admissions exam you might want to consider taking is the ACT. To learn more about the differences in these two tests, visit NISD's College & Career Readiness website. Most colleges will take either test in the admissions process.
The SAT is used by most colleges and universities as one element of its admissions process.
SAT scores help level the playing field where GPAs don’t tell the whole story. SAT scores are an across-the-board measure, where every kid takes a test that is comparable to the test every other kid took.
The SAT is useful beyond admissions; data show that SAT scores are important predictors of student retention to the second year and as a strategy to intervene academically for students at-risk for departure.
How Do I Access My Scores?
- Log in to existing your College Board account or create a new one at studentscores.collegeboard.org
- Select the scores you want to view
- Use “Missing Scores” to locate scores.
Click here for detailed directions on Understanding your PSAT 8/9 Results.
If you need help accessing your account, call or email College Board: PSAT-Related Assessments (PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9) -
- 866-433-7728
- psathelp@info.collegeboard.org
College Readiness Benchmarks
What Are My Next Steps?
Continue to take challenging courses in high school. Haven't taken an AP or Dual Credit class yet? Find one to take next year. Yes, it will be challenging, but you will grow so much and learn a lot!
Link scores with Khan Academy for personalized practice.
Use MajorClarity and other resources to research and prepare for college.
Set up a practice plan and stick to it – learn more about the National Merit Scholarship Program!
Take the PSAT every time it is offered at school and try your best every time. This will help you discover what areas you need to work on.
Take the SAT in the Spring of your Junior year of high school. But don't take it just this one time. Take it (or the ACT) at least one more time.
Read! Reading for pleasure will strengthen your vocabulary and deepen your understanding of the written word. That translates to improvement on the SAT and just being a well-rounded person in general.
Linking Your College Board Account to Khan Academy®
Linking your College Board account and Khan Academy will help you know what skills you need to practice in order to get better. Practicing just 20 minutes a day can have a big impact on your next PSAT or SAT test.
Step 2: When prompted; agree to link your Khan Academy and College Board account. You will then be directed to collegeboard.org.
Step 3: Sign in or create a College Board Account
Step 4: When prompted; hit “send” to authorize the account linking
Step 5: Start practicing on Official SAT practice on Khan Academy!