On Thursday, October 26, 2023, students in grades 9-12 will be participating in the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) for 9th graders, the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) for 10th and 11th graders, and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for 12th graders. Schenectady City School District students will be automatically registered for the tests. There is no cost for the exams.
- How will my child benefit from taking the PSAT exam? The PSAT 9 helps establish a baseline for students as they enter high school and begin preparing them for college and career readiness. By taking the PSAT 9, your child will learn which skills he or she needs to work on for continued success when preparing for high school and if they decide it is right for them, college.
- What is the PSAT/NMSQT for 10th and 11th graders? The PSAT/NMSQT provides a taste of what it's like to take the SAT (grade 12) and it can help the student see where they are and set a target for future SAT testing scores. Students will get details on the exact skills and knowledge they need to focus on in school while having plenty of time to improve prior to grade 12. When students take the PSAT/NMSQT during their junior year, they can qualify for scholarships, including the highly selective National Merit Scholarship Program.
- Why should a Senior take the SAT exam? SAT scores demonstrate to colleges that students are prepared with the necessary post-secondary skills and knowledge. Strong SAT scores can boost a student’s college admission chances.
The exam will begin at approximately 9:00 am and will conclude for grades 9-11 around 11:15 and 12:15 for 12th grade. Students will also be permitted to leave after the exam, and parents should complete this form to grant permission for them to do so.
Additional details:
Students who participate in our New York State Alternative Assessment (NYSAA) Programs within Special Education will still have a regularly scheduled instructional day.
Students not wishing to participate in the exam should be aware that regularly scheduled classes will not be held in the traditional manner. They will be directed to quiet spaces to work on different curriculum tasks, complete assignments, complete college and career skill inventories, and other planned activities.
Students in grades 9-11 will need to bring their charged Chromebooks as the exam is digital. In addition, they should bring any desired snacks or drinks.
Students in 12th grade should bring several pencils, a snack and drink, and an approved calculator for the exam (please see list of approved calculators here.)
When the exam concludes, students with parental permission who walk, drive, or have a ride available may leave school if this form ** was completed by a parent/guardian. Parents/guardians who wish should plan to pick students up at the E Wing at approximately 11:30 (grades 9-11) and 12:30 (grade 12).
Regular afternoon bus runs will bring students home after the 3:30 p.m. dismissal.
Students scheduled to attend VOTEC programs are excused from attending if they want to sit for the exam. Busing and schedules will remain the same for those wishing to attend their programs rather than take the PSAT/NMSQT, or SAT.
We will be following up with reminders and additional information to students in the next few weeks. Please contact your school counseling office at (518) 881-2044 ext. 5 if you have any questions. Thank you!