Please note that the PSAT scheduled for January 26, 2021 has been cancelled.

The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) / National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) is a standardized test administered by the College Board and cosponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take the PSAT/NMSQT?

The PSAT/NMSQT helps you get ready for college by connecting you to scholarships and universities, and helping you prepare for the SAT.  Students who are interested in attending a four-year university that requires the SAT for admission will benefit from taking the PSAT. Students who want to be considered for the National Merit Scholarship and be connected with universities should also consider taking the PSAT exam.

The UC’s are not using the SAT’s for admission purposes for the Class of 2022.  It is unsure if the CSU’s will require them next year.  Some out of state and private universities require them for admissions, it is recommended you check with interested universities to determine if you need to take the SAT.  NCAA for our student athletes has historically required the SAT or ACT although that requirement was waived for the Class of 2021.

I do not want to test in person, is there an online option available?

The College Board does not currently offer an option to take the exam online.  Only in person testing is available.

I attend an Alternative Education site, can I take the exam and where will I be testing? 

Juniors who attend any site can take the PSAT, this includes, but is not limited to Launch Academy, Independent Studies, Learning Center’s, and Palomar.  The administrator at your site will send you the initial Google Form to sign up.  You will either test at the school considered your home site or a nearby school, depending on when you submit your registration.

Is there a cost to take the exam? 

The Sweetwater Union High School District is offering the exam at no cost to students.

Can 9th or 10th graders sign up to take the exam? 

At this time only 11th graders are being offered the opportunity to take the exam.  Our sites are taking precautions and following safety regulations and protocols to keep our students safe. This limits the amount of students allowed on campus on a given day.

What if I sign up to take the test and change my mind? 

Students can cancel their registration at any time leading up to the test. Please email the AP at your site in charge of testing if you decide to not take the exam.

Is there a possibility that the PSAT exam will be cancelled?

Offering the PSAT is dependent upon San Diego County regulations regarding covid and student safety. The PSAT exam is not guaranteed to be offered.  SUHSD may cancel the test at any point up until the day before the exam in the event of in-person testing not being allowed to take place.

I can’t test on The scheduled date — is there a different date? 

The test dates are established by the College Board and school districts are not allowed to test on a different date.