Why Offer the PSAT 8/9? – For Schools & Districts

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.

What's on the Test?

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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.

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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.

Understanding Benchmarks

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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.

Explore AP Potential

Connect Them to Their Future

The earlier students start exploring, the more time they have to discover postsecondary paths that may be a great fit. With their scores, students get guidance to help them explore careers that match their interests and skills and information to help them search for colleges.

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PSAT 8/9 Educator Resources

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Flyer: Setting a Readiness Baseline with PSAT 8-9

The PSAT 8/9 helps students set their college and career readiness baseline when they enter high school. The test measures core reading, writing, and math skills.

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1.26 MB

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Flyer: Help Students Navigate Their Path with the SAT Suite

The fully digital SAT Suite of Assessments provides in-depth insights to measure and guide student progress throughout high school.

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1.18 MB

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Test Dates and Deadlines

Here, you’ll find key dates for testing, including ordering, registration, training, access, and readiness dates.

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Flyer: Powering Career Possibilities Through College Board Programs

How can students be motivated to gain the skills they need to succeed after high school? Learn how College Board programs help students navigate career options and accelerate their entry toward postsecondary choices.

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1.06 MB

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Flyer for Families: Jump-Start Their Journey with the PSAT 8/9

The PSAT 8/9 helps your teen, their teachers, and you understand their knowledge and skills as they begin their high school journey.

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535.33 KB

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Folleto para Familias: Emprender el Camino

El examen PSAT™ 8/9 ayuda a su hija/hijo adolescente, a sus maestros y a usted a comprender sus conocimientos y destrezas a medida que comienza su camino en la escuela secundaria.

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