b'28The PSATThe PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) assesses reading, math, and writing skills, and provides practice for the SAT. Why take it: Your report provides feedback about your test results and customized SAT study plans.In addition, your score on the PSAT/NMSQT could qualify you for a National Merit Scholarship or other scholarship programs.When to take it: In the fall of 9th and/or 10th grade. Check with your school to see when the test willbe administered. To learn more, visitwww.collegeboard.org. Bentley UniversityTest AccommodationsStudents with documented disabilities are eligible for accommodations on both the SAT and ACT, as wellas the PSAT. Learn more about eligibility requirementsWATCH US Average Test Scores and how to request accommodations by visiting Have Gone Up:www.act.org or www.collegeboard.org and One of the impacts of test-optionalsearching accommodations. admissions policies has been an increase in the average test scores of admitted students. Keep this in mind when Test Optional assessing a colleges fit and determining whether or notMany colleges and universities have adopted to submit your test scores.test-optional admissions policies. This means that some of the schools you are applying to will notrequire you to submit standardized testscoresas part of your application. However, if you arewell prepared and able to take the SAT/ACT andobtaina strong score, this will provide you withthe most college options. A strong score isconsidered within the average range acceptedat the college you are applying to. You may berequired to submit test scores to obtain institutional merit-based financial aid. Check each of the colleges you are applying to for their most up-to-date testing policies in regard to both admissionsand financial aid.When to Take the SAT/ACTIf you are taking AP courses, remember that there willbe an AP exam toward the end of the school year. Tryto avoid taking the SAT or ACT too close to an AP exam, so that you are only studying for one exam at a time. Muhlenberg College'