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PSAT Information

SPS School-Day PSAT Oct. 21

PSAT/NMSQT College Board Logo

Grade 11 PSAT Testing Information

Seattle Public Schools contracts with the College Board for the School-Day PSAT. Visit the district PSAT Testing to learn more.

  • PSAT Date For Juniors: Wednesday, October 21, 2026 starting at 8:50 a.m. The PSAT is free but available only to SPS Juniors.
    • Where: TBD (announced during Advisory and posted outside the Main Office)
    • Grade 11 Students Only: Takes the PSAT

Students must have an SPS-issued laptop to ensure they have the tech support necessary to complete the exam at school. Students can pick up an SPS-issued laptop in the tech room on the north end, third floor of Building 1 between 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tuesdays/Thursdays until October 16, 2026. In the afternoon, students can pick up a laptop from the library.

Questions? Email Kayla Barr, Assessment Coordinator: klbarrgraham@seattleschools.org

Parent/Guardians May Excuse Student to Leave After Exam

  • Parents/Guardians may excuse their Junior to leave early after the exam
    • only IF they are taking the exam, the Attendance / Opt-Out form will be sent home through Talking Points and in Principal Lam’s newsletter. Parents/Guardians must fill out the form by 3:40 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, 2026 in order for their student’s PSAT absence after the exam to be excused.

Why Take the PSAT?

  • The PSAT is not required but is good practice for future professional or trade exams. The PSAT also gives access to additional scholarships. Additional information and details are listed below.

Day of Exam Important Information

  • Students must be on time! Once testing begins, students will not be admitted into the room. Students who are late or opting out will work in the library and need to reschedule with our assessment coordinator, Kayla Barr; klbarrgraham@seattleschools.org
  • To participate students need and SPS laptop, a College Board account (and the ability to access it quickly) and will need to install the Bluebook App on the secure login (guidance will be provided in a class TBD).
  • During Exam: Prohibited items include
    • Any electronics (phones, watches, headphones, etc)
    • No additional supplies (pencil is ok)
    • Calculators (digital Desmos calculator is embedded in the Bluebook App)
  • What to Bring: Only your school laptop, pencil/pen, warm layer, water bottle and a snack are allowed at your desk.
  • Taking the Exam
    • There are 2 parts: 64 minutes Reading/Writing and 70 minutes Math (Students with a 504/IEP may qualify for extra time)
    • Students get at least 1 break (more with accommodations)
      • Note: The timer will continue to run during additional breaks (including bathroom)
  • Students may not leave after the exam without Prior parent/guardian permission (by Oct. 16, 2026).

Scores Released

Scores are released within 2-4 weeks and may be sent to colleges (this is entered before the exam). They can be accessed using test registration number, BigFuture app, or from Kayla Barr; klbarrgraham@seattleschools.org

Make Up Exams

  • Thursday, October 22, 8:50 a.m., Room 1201
  • Thursday, October 29, 8:50 a.m., Room 1201
  • Friday, October 30, 8:50 a.m., Room 1201

Seats are limited during makeup sessions, so please let Kayla know if you plan to attend. Email: klbarrgraham@seattleschools.org

Why Take the PSAT?

  • Provides valuable feedback on strengths and the skills necessary for college study. Students can then focus their preparation on areas that could most benefit from additional study or practice. The PSAT measures critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills and writing skills.
  • Gives insight on how a performance on an admissions test compares to others applying to college. Helps students prepare for the SAT. Students will become familiar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions they will see on the SAT.
  • Could help Juniors qualify for scholarships. The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) for Juniors is a program co-sponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corp. (NMSC).

Practice Resources & Information

Visit the College Board for what to expect. Refer to the district PSAT page for more information about testing and Seattle Public Schools.

Using/Understanding PSAT/NMSQT
Scores to Prepare for the SAT

Students will need to log onto their College Board accounts to view their PSAT/NMSQT scores and use them to prepare for the SAT. Refer to the College Board Getting Scores site for all the information you need and a video as well.

Students should receive their original PSAT test booklets. If you would like to learn more about how to understand your scores and get tips for preparing for the SAT or need assistance with your College Board account, or your Counselor.

Grade 11 Juniors, to learn more about the SAT visit the CHS SAT Information page. To understand your PSAT scores and how to link your test results with free Khan Academy practice tests tailored just for you to prepare for the SAT view video on the College Board site. In addition learn more information about practicing for the SAT on College Board as well.

Grade 11 PSAT/NMSQT Scores

Scores will be released for PSAT tests taken in October TBD. Students will need to create a free College Board account (if they have not already) in order to see their scores and use them to prepare for the SAT.

Using PSAT Scores & Scholarship Information

SAT Practice Resources with PSAT Scores

  • Create your free College Board account
  • Check out the College Board website for FREE test prep resources.
  • The College Board has partnered with Khan Academy to provide a personalized practice program. Visit the Khan Academy to find ways to prepare for the SAT using PSAT results. Students will become familiar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions they will see on the SAT.

National Merit Scholarship Program

The PSAT/NMSQT is the route of entry into the National Merit Scholarship Program for Juniors. Questions specific to National Merit Scholarship Program should be directed to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation or to College Board.

Free or Reduced Lunch (FRL) Benefits

The PSAT/NMSQT helps Juniors prepare for the SAT and is used to qualify students for scholarships and advanced learning opportunities. These tests are offered to all Juniors free of charge; no pre-registration is required. Students who qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch (FRL) may be eligible to receive additional benefits from the College Board such as unlimited sending of scores. In order to receive these benefits, please complete the Family Income Survey and visit the district School-Day PSAT page for more information.

As of September 28, 2026