On Oct. 11, GCPS 10th graders will take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), a standardized assessment that provides practice for the SAT college-admissions exam as well as access to college and career planning tools. In addition, students who take the test as a junior can enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation scholarship programs.
And, GCPS students in 8th grade have an early opportunity to set their course for college and careers when they take the PSAT 8/9 on Oct. 25. This national assessment helps determine what students need to work on most so that they are ready for college when they graduate from high school. It’s part of the College Board family of assessments that includes the SAT and the PSAT/NMSQT. The PSAT 8/9 tests the same skills and knowledge as the SAT and PSAT— reading, writing and language, and mathematics— but in a way that makes sense for younger students and with a focus on the everyday skills and knowledge that they’ve learned in school and will need to succeed in college.
Khan Academy offers free, online practice for PSAT, SAT test-takers
Students can prepare for both PSAT assessments and the SAT with personalized practice recommendations from Khan Academy, a free online resource. The service—a partnership between College Board and Khan Academy—provides eight official, full-length practice tests, plus study and test-taking tips. Thousands of practice questions, video lessons, and hints provide interactive practice. Results of a student’s PSAT 8/9 and PSAT/NMSQT yield a tailored plan that pinpoints areas where the test-taker needs practice. Instant online feedback gives students an idea of their progress on that plan.
To get started, students should create a Khan Academy account at satpractice.org, then link their Khan Academy and College Board accounts. Parents also can review Khan Academy resources and learn more about ways to support their student’s success with Khan Academy. (Parents also have access to a learner account so they can be lifelong learners, too!)