Frequently Asked Questions - PSAT Edition


Frequently Asked Questions

In this FAQ, you will find FAQs about the PSAT that is scheduled for Wednesday, October 10th.  The first section is for 9th grade students, and the second half is for 10th and 11th graders.

PSAT 8/9 FAQs (9th Grade Only)

Q: What test will my 9th grader take?

A: 9th graders take the PSAT 8/9.   It is a college readiness assessment aligned with the PSAT and developed for ninth grade students.  Additional information about the assessment can be found at the College Board Website: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-8-9.  9th grade students are automatically registered for the exam and score reports are paid for by FCPS (it’s free).

Q: When/where is the PSAT 8/9?

A: The PSAT 8/9 will be given on October 10th at Oakton during the school day.  Students have been notified of their testing location by email (fcpsschools.net accounts).  Students can also ask teachers for test location information. There will be a 2 hour early release on October 10th (buses depart at 1:05).

Q.  How long is the test?  Where can I find a PSAT Day schedule?  

A.  The PSAT 8/9  is 3 hours, 25 minutes long.  PSAT Day schedules can be found on the OHS website under “Student Services” and “Testing.” https://drive.google.com/file/d/15mKwVot1DG6NDPdRYoHbKDiQHHz9LZcb/view

Q: How can my student prepare for the PSAT 8/9?

A: PSAT 8/9 prep materials are available on College Board’s website at https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-8-9

Q: How do can my student apply for testing accommodations for the PSAT 8/9?

A: College Board does not have an accommodations application process for students taking the PSAT 8/9.  The test serves as a baseline for future tests.

Q.   When/how will my student receive PSAT 8/9 scores?

A: Scores for the PSAT/NMSQT will be available online to students through their free College Board accounts by January.   Students can view scores via College Board at https://studentscores.collegeboard.org/home using their student ID number.  Students who do not currently have a College Board account will need to create one to view scores.  

Q.  What should my student bring to school on PSAT Day?

A. Students will need (wooden) Number 2 pencils and a graphing calculator for the PSAT 8/9.  OHS will not provide pencils or calculators on test day. It is also recommended that students bring a snack to eat during breaks.  A grab-and-go lunch will be provided in the cafeteria at 12:30 for students who would like to buy lunch.  

 

PSAT FAQs (10th and 11th Grade Only)

Q: What test will my 10th grader take?

A: 10th Graders take the PSAT.  They are automatically registered for the exam and score reports are paid for by FCPS (it’s free).

Q: What test will my 11th grader take?

A: 11th Graders will take the PSAT regardless if they registered to take the exam or not.  If your student would like a score report, you must submit the registration and $20.00 PSAT fee to Molly Brady by COB on October 3rd.  If your student takes the exam but does not pay the fee, they will NOT receive a score report from College Board and NOT be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship.   https://oaktonhs.fcps.edu/academics/testing/psatsatact

Q: Why should 11th grade students purchase a score report?  

A: College Board’s online PSAT score reports provide feedback that can be valuable for students who are planning to take the SAT Junior year.  For example, incorrect answers are linked to Khan Academy tutorials that offer detailed explanations for each question. Additionally, 11th grade students may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.  Details on this scholarship can be found at http://www.nationalmerit.org.

Q: When/where is the PSAT?

A: The PSAT will be given on October 10th at Oakton during the school day.  Students have been notified of their testing location by email (fcpsschools.net accounts).  Students can also ask their advisory teachers for test location information. There will be a 2 hour early release on October 10th (buses depart at 1:05).

Q: How long is the test?  Where can I find a PSAT Day schedule?  

A: The PSAT is 3 hours, 55 minutes long.  PSAT Day schedules can be found on the OHS website under “Student Services” and “Testing.” https://drive.google.com/file/d/15mKwVot1DG6NDPdRYoHbKDiQHHz9LZcb/view

Q: How can my student prepare for the PSAT?

A: PSAT Student Guides/Practice Tests will be distributed to students through English classes.  This document is also available online at https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10.  College Board has also partnered with Khan Academy to provide online practice at https://www.khanacademy.org/sat

Q: How can my student apply for testing accommodations for the PSAT?

A: College Board’s deadline for PSAT accommodation requests was August 21st.  Any student who has College Board approved accommodations will receive the appropriate accommodations on test day.  Please be aware that students with an extended time accommodation will finish testing after the busses depart for dismissal and will need to provide their own transportation home from school on October 10th.  For questions about the College Board accommodation request process, please contact our SSD Coordinator, Chris Buckley at cjbuckley@fcps.edu .  

Q: When will my student receive PSAT scores?  

A: Scores for the PSAT/NMSQT will be available online to students through their free College Board accounts by January.   Students can view scores via College Board at https://studentscores.collegeboard.org/home using their student ID number.  Students who do not currently have a College Board account will need to create one to view scores.  

Q: How can my 11th grade student apply for a fee-waiver for the PSAT?

A: Students who receive free and reduced lunch qualify for a PSAT fee waiver.  Please notify Molly Brady (mpbrady1@fcps.edu ) with fee-waiver requests.

Q.  What should my student bring to school on PSAT Day?

A: Students will need (wooden) Number 2 pencils and a graphing calculator for the PSAT.  OHS will not provide pencils or calculators on test day. It is also recommended that students bring a snack to eat during breaks.  A grab-and-go lunch will be provided in the cafeteria at 12:30 for students who would like to buy lunch.  

More Questions? 

Q. I have a question that is not listed above – who should I contact?  

A: Please contact Molly Brady (mpbrady1@fcps.edu ) for more information regarding the PSAT 8/9 or the PSAT.