The PSAT
The 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 will  
be administered. To learn more, visit  
www.collegeboard.org.
Test Accommodations
Students with documented disabilities are eligible for 
accommodations on both the SAT and ACT, as well  
as the PSAT. Learn more about eligibility requirements 
and how to request accommodations by visiting  
www.act.org or www.collegeboard.org and  
searching “accommodations.”
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Test Optional
Some colleges and universities have adopted  
test-optional admissions policies. This means that  
they will not require you to submit standardized 
test scores as part of your application. However,  
if you are well prepared and able to take the SAT/ACT  
and obtain a strong score, this will provide you  
with the most college options. A strong score is  
considered within the average range of the college  
to which you are applying. You may be required 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; 
you can also ask an admissions rep whether to submit 
your scores. Some schools that went test optional are 
switching back to test required. Be sure to research 
the school’s requirements for your application year.
When to Take the SAT/ACT
If you are taking AP courses, remember that there  
will be an AP exam toward the end of the school year. 
Try to avoid taking the SAT or ACT too close to an  
AP exam, so that you are only studying for one exam  
at a time. Check with your high school to see if the 
test is adminstered at your school.
The SAT
The 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 be  
provided to you from the College Board after you 
register for the SAT. If you are using your own laptop, 
don’t forget to bring a charger on test day.
University of Pittsburgh

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