11 Mar Thoughts on the PSAT 8/9
I learned recently that my 9th grader will take the PSAT 8/9 this month. Most of my conversations about standardized testing are with 10th and 11th graders, so I thought I’d share some thoughts on what younger students (and their parents) might want to know.
What is the PSAT?
Students take the “Preliminary SAT” in October of 11th grade. It is meant to be an early predictor of SAT scores and covers similar content, although it’s shorter and has a lower maximum score. The bulk of the math questions come from Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. Scores are not sent to colleges but are used for giving National Merit Scholarship recognition.
Many schools have 10th graders take it as well, although they are not considered for National Merit until 11th grade.
What is the PSAT 10?
This is the same test as the PSAT but is given to 10th graders later in the year. Some high schools have 10th graders take a spring semester exam instead of fall because they’re often enrolled in Alegebra 2 or Geometry and are still learning the math content that’s on the test.
What is the PSAT 8/9?
This is a similar test given to 8th and 9th graders to get an early read on how they might do on the PSAT or SAT later. It is aligned with what students are likely to have covered by 8th and 9th grade, so it’s easier than the version sophomores and juniors take.
Should I take it?
Sure. The experience itself of sitting for a standardized test is preparation for later tests by showing you what to expect when it counts. Scores can also give you some indication of strengths and weaknesses.
Should juniors prep for the PSAT?
Probably not, since it’s just for diagnostic purposes, although it might make sense to learn a little bit about Desmos, the calculator that’s built into the online testing platform. The exception is if you aced the PSAT 10 and think you might be able to score high enough on the PSAT for a National Merit Scholarship. Click here for an explanation of the program and here to see the scores required for the Class of 2027. Note that scores vary by state and qualifying scores are VERY high. Many students achieve Commended Student and Semifinalist status but far fewer actually get money.
Should I prep for the PSAT 10 or PSAT 8/9?
Probably not, since they usually don’t count for anything at all. I’d rather see students spend their time on the classes they’re taking or on more interesting and meaningful things in their lives.
However, my 9th grader’s school is using the PSAT 8/9 Reading and Writing score for placement into AP English in 10th grade. For this reason ONLY, I asked my kid if she’d like to take a practice test so she knows what to expect on test day. If there is no specific benefit tied to this score, I see no other reason that test prep for the PSAT 8/9 would be worthwhile.
What about accommodations?
For students who have accommodations for a disability under an IEP, 504 or learning plan, your school will generally submit a request to the College Board on your behalf so you can have your accommodations for tests the College Board administers (SAT/PSAT and AP exams.) Once accommodations are approved by the College Board, they apply to all of its exams; students do not need to reapply unless their needs change. The ACT has a similar process.
High schools usually have a process to get accommodations in place in time for the 10th grade PSAT (October or spring semester), and parents usually do not have to make a specific request for 10th graders. If the school offers APs earlier than 10th grade or routinely offers the PSAT 8/9, they will likely start that process in time for those exams, but parents may want to double-check.
This year is the first time my daughter‘s school is administering the PSAT 8/9 and they let parents know they have NOT requested accommodations yet for current 9th graders. While my student is not impacted, those with accommodations might want to know how this impacts the AP English placement process. Specifically, if my student usually had accommodations and was interested in AP English next year, I’d be asking whether the PSAT Reading and Writing score is the ONLY measure they will be using for placement into this course (and I suspect it’s not.)
Thanks for reading! If you found this information helpful, you might be interested in a webinar I’m giving in April, College Admissions: A Road Map for 9th and 10th Grade Students. My monthly newsletter also offers grade-specific advice. Here’s my most recent post for the Class of 2029, and you can sign up for the newsletter here.