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 otherGettysburg Collegescholarship programs.When to take it: In the fall of 9th and/or 10th grade. Check with your school to see when the test will Test Optionalbe administered. To learn more, visit Some colleges and universities have adoptedwww.collegeboard.org. test-optional admissions policies. This means thatthey will not require you to submit standardized Test Accommodations testscores as part of your application. However,if you are well prepared and able to take the SAT/ACTStudents with documented disabilities are eligible forand obtaina strong score, this will provide youaccommodations on both the SAT and ACT, as well with the most college options. A strong score isas the PSAT. Learn more about eligibility requirementsconsidered within the average range of the collegeand how to request accommodations by visiting to which you are applying. You may be required to www.act.org or www.collegeboard.org and submit test scores to obtain institutional merit-based searching accommodations. financial aid. Check each of the colleges you areapplying to for their most up-to-date testing policiesin regard to both admissionsand financial aid.When to Take the SAT/ACTIf you are taking AP courses, remember that therewill be an AP exam toward the end of the school year. Try to avoid taking the SAT or ACT too close to anAP exam, so that you are only studying for one examat a time. Check with your high school to see if the test is adminstered at your school.The SATThe SAT is administered at test sites and students take the test on laptop computers. You might use a laptop provided by your school, or you might need to bring your own laptop. If you are bringing your own laptop, you will need to follow instructions to download the test onto your device. Those instructions will beprovided to you from the College Board after you register for the SAT. If you are using your own laptop, dont forget to bring a charger on test day.University of Pittsburgh'