• PSAT
     

    The PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 8/9 are administered each October to 8th and 10th-grade students in Dallas ISD.  

    Homeschooled students wishing to take the exam may contact the Testing Coordinator at their local Dallas ISD campus for more information. 

    About the Test

    The assessment comprises three tests and includes 2 hours and 45 minutes of actual testing time, 10 minutes of breaks, and approximately 45 to 50 minutes of administration time. (about 3 hours and 30 minutes total time)
    • Reading Test: 60 minutes
    • Writing and Language Test: 35 minutes
    • Math Test - No Calculator: 15 minutes
    • Math Test - Calculator: 45 minutes
     
    Reading  

    The reading test is passages to read and interpret informational graphics. What has been read is used to answer the questions.

    Questions ask the test taker to locate a piece of information or an idea stated directly, as is understanding of the author’s words and what they imply.  The test taker will need to be able to read between the lines.
     
    Writing and Language 
    To answer some questions, a single sentence will be used. Other questions require reading the entire piece and interpreting a graphic. A test taker might be asked to choose a sentence that corrects a misinterpretation of a scientific chart or that better explains the importance of the data.
    The passages range from arguments to nonfiction narratives and will be about careers, history, social studies, the humanities, and science.
     
    Math 
    Most math questions are multiple choice, but some, called grid-ins, ask for a written answer rather than selecting the answer. The math test is divided into two sections: Math Test Calculator and Math Test No Calculator. Some parts of the test include several questions about a single scenario.

     

     
    Students may see sample questions from each section by going to:
     
     

    The benefits of taking the PSAT/NMSQT include:

     Jump-Start Your Journey to College

    The PSAT/NMSQT propels students toward college and career readiness.

     

    Get Money for College

    Say “Yes” to Student Search Service™ when taking the PSAT/NMSQT and make it easy for colleges and scholarship programs to send information to students. Millions of dollars are available through organization such as United Negro College Fund, Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund, American Indian Graduate Center, and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.
    Taking the PSAT/NMSQT automatically screens the test taker for the National Merit® Scholarship Program, Usually juniors meet entry requirements.

     

    National Hispanic Recognition Program

    Hispanic/Latino students who take the PSAT/NMSQT could be invited to apply for academic recognition as part of the College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program, which is an academic honor that may be included on college applications.  This recognition does not come with a scholarship, but colleges may use this program to identify academically exceptional Hispanic/Latino students.  Find more information at The College Board National Recognition Programs .

    Get Personalized SAT Study Recommendations

    After test results arrive, the test taker may connect a College Board account with a new or existing Khan Academy® account to get free personalized SAT study recommendations.  Test results also suggest which AP courses might be a good fit for a student..

     For more information: collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10