Why Offer the PSAT 8/9?

This starting point of the SAT Suite’s connected assessment system gives school leaders an early, actionable view of student readiness.

Earlier Insights. Informed Decisions. Stronger Outcomes.

The PSAT 8/9 is the foundation for the SAT Suite, establishing a readiness baseline and providing early insight into students’ core reading, writing, and math skills. 

Optimized Learning Time

As a digital test, the PSAT 8/9 is shorter to preserve instructional time and can be administered in flexible fall and spring semester scheduling windows

Actionable Insights

Leaders who use this as the entry point to the SAT Suite can measure year-over-year performance from the aggregate level down to the individual level. Results typically come within two weeks of testing, allowing educators to quickly address instructional needs. 

A Foundation for Success

The PSAT 8/9 helps students build familiarity with the SAT and its format. Students will also be able to understand where they need to focus academically and build their skills so they can reach their target SAT score. 

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3 Reasons to Offer PSAT 8/9

Help students plan and prepare for their future by offering the PSAT 8/9. Watch, then share this short video about the benefits for both educators and students.

Establish a Baseline for Student Success

Results from the PSAT 8/9 give educators an early window into each student's college and career readiness to determine which knowledge areas and skills need more work. Having these insights early in high school lets educators provide support when it can have the most impact. As part of a connected system, results are reported on the same scale as later SAT Suite assessments, allowing educators to monitor growth and instructional impact over time.

The district utilizes the PSAT 8/9 and PSAT/NMSQT as early diagnostic tools, helping to identify students’ strengths and areas for growth as early as 8th grade. This proactive approach allows educators to tailor instruction to meet students’ needs, offering targeted support in key areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics. Tracey Morman, director of counseling, Amarillo Independent School District, Texas.

Expand Access to AP

Enable more students to take at least one AP course to build confidence and skills needed for high school, college, and career success. AP courses also give students the opportunity to earn college credit in high school. The AP Potential™ tool is designed to help identify 9th–11th-grade students who are ready for AP based on their performance on SAT Suite assessments. By expanding access to AP, educators create a college-going culture in their school.

We  look at data from the PSAT assessments, starting with the PSAT 8/9, when working with students on skills they need to improve. Our counselors also use AP Potential data when working individually with students on their course selections for the following year. Andrea Pfeifer, Principal, Amarillo High School

The Power to Plan—on Their Terms, with Their Device

Students age 13 and older who take the PSAT 8/9 can view their scores and careers that align with their academic strengths through the BigFuture School mobile app. The app is optional and secure, allowing students to discover options early and from the moment they get their scores. 

PSAT 8/9 Educator Resources

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