Why Offer the PSAT 8/9?

Help students get to where they want to go. Establish a baseline for student success in high school, college, and career with the PSAT 8/9.

Monitor Progress and Inform Instruction

The PSAT 8/9 is the first test in the SAT Suite of Assessments, designed to establish a college and career readiness baseline for 8th- and 9th-grade students. Results enable educators to evaluate each student’s core reading, writing, and math skills. 

Optimized Learning Time

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

Actionable Insights

When used with other tests in the SAT Suite, it helps educators measure year-over-year performance from the aggregate to individual level. Results typically come within two weeks of testing, allowing educators to quickly address instructional needs. 

A Foundation for Success

It helps students build familiarity with the SAT and its format. Students will also be able to understand where they need to focus academically 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 allow educators to evaluate 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 intervene in time to get more students on track for success.

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 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 the PSAT 8/9 and other tests in the SAT Suite. By expanding access to AP, educators create a college-going culture in their school.

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

Students who are age 13 and older and 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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