Testing
PSAT/NMSQT | Now Digital!
The PSAT/NMSQT is the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. It is a standardized test that provides 10th and 11th graders with the opportunity to get ready for the official SAT. It also gives students a chance to enter the National Merit Scholarship programs and gain access to college and career planning tools.
The PSAT is a practice test only and is a low-stakes testing opportunity – the PSAT scores are not sent to colleges and are not a part of the college application process for any student. College entrance tests are a requisite part of nearly every 4-yr college, therefore, students considering college would benefit from participating in the PSAT.
The purpose of the PSAT is to familiarize students with the kinds of questions, style of directions, and physical environment of an SAT exam, and provides students with a projected SAT score range, personalized feedback, and a study plan. As an 11th grader, students who take the PSAT/NMSQT, are also automatically screened for the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships.
For more information about the PSAT & How to Practice, you can visit the College Board website at: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10.
SAT
The SAT is the Scholastic Aptitude Test. It is a standardized test used by some colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It measures a high school student’s readiness for college and provides colleges and universities with a common data point that can be used to compare all applicants.
For more information about the SAT, you can visit the College board website at: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat.
TEST DAY DETAILS:
WHEN: Wednesday October 11th, 2023, at 7:50 a.m.
WHERE: International Community School
Additional details will follow as we get closer to the testing date.
We ask that all students:
- Arrive on time
- PSAT takers Install required software prior (this will take place during class). Have computer rebooted, updated, and fully charged.
- Have a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast
- Demonstrate the attention needed to thoughtfully take the exam
If you have any questions about the PSAT/NMSQT or SAT, please feel free to contact Rebecca Zavala, Testing Coordinator, rzavala@lwsd.org.
PSAT/NMSQT: The PSAT/NMSQT that is typically held in October will be scheduled for Wednesday, October 11th. Please register by September 22, 2023.
- All 10th graders are expected to take the PSAT/NMSQT. LWSD will pay the testing fee for all 10th graders and your counselor will complete the registration process on behalf of the students.
- 11th graders are expected to take the PSAT/NMSQT. NEW THIS YEAR: PTSA will be covering the PSAT cost this year for all 11th graders. Your counselor will then complete the registration process on behalf of the students.
- 12th graders who choose to do so will take the SAT. Students need to sign up for the test by 9/22/23 and pay $60. Submit payment with Ms. Hopwood, our bookkeeper, before school or during lunch or online here. Your counselor will complete the registration process on behalf of the students.
SAT and ACT: The SAT and ACT are college entrance exams which test mathematical, verbal, reasoning, and writing abilities. The ACT also includes a Science section. Either the SAT or ACT must usually be presented as part of an application for admission to a four-year college or university. You should consult the college or university in which you have an interest to find out what admissions test scores they require. Students take the SAT or the ACT during 11th grade and/or the Fall of 12th grade. In order for results of the test to be available for the college admission process, students should plan to take one or both of these tests no later than November of the 12th grade year (dependent on college deadlines). Advanced registration is required and there is a test fee (see information below). If your student receives testing accommodations and you would like information about how to utilize these accommodations for the SAT/ACT, please contact their IEP/504 case manager prior to registering for testing.
SAT Subject Tests: These are tests designed by the College Board, and each is dedicated to a single subject. Some colleges and universities require applicants to submit scores from SAT Subject Tests. Consult the college or university in which you have an interest to find out if it requires SAT Subject Tests. If so, students should plan to take SAT Subject Tests during 11th grade and/or the Fall of 12th grade (depending on college deadlines). Most students complete subject the spring of the school year in which you are taking the course content for the test. The tests are given at many area sites on specified Saturdays. Advanced registration is required, and there is a test fee. If your student receives testing accommodations and you would like information about how to utilize these accommodations for Subject Tests, please contact their IEP/504 case manager prior to registering for testing.
Testing Advanced Placement (AP): AP Examinations are administered through the College Board as final exams for Advanced Placement high school courses. They are offered in May each year. Students enrolled in the courses have the option to take the examinations. Depending on the score earned on an AP examination, a student may earn college credit once enrolled in a college or university, or he/she may receive exemption from a required college course. Advanced registration is required through the students high school in late-Winter/early Spring, and there is a test fee for each examination taken. Students may also self-study and can take an AP Exam without having to complete a full course. For more information, please see our AP Testing section under the Counseling tab on the ICS website. If your student receives testing accommodations and you would like information about how to utilize these accommodations, please contact their IEP/504 case manager and/or school AP coordinator prior to registering for testing.
For PSAT and SAT info and registration, please visit www.collegeboard.com
For ACT info and registration, please visit www.ACT.org
For SAT Subject Tests info and registration, please visit https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat-subject-tests
For AP Exam info, please visit, https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/home
Testing Resources
ICS Prep Programs
Xello/Career Cruising: All 9th-12th grade students at ICS have access to Method Test Prep, an SAT/ACT preparation program, on their Xello profiles through Powerschool Learning. This program provides self-paced, comprehensive lessons in subjects covered by the SAT and ACT to help give your student practice in areas they need to feel ready for testing. Students can use practice tests to identify the test that fits them best and prepare accordingly. The program also includes guided practice, vocabulary building, and additional resources for comprehensive learning. Please contact our High School and Beyond Plan Counselor, Ms. Kelsey Cummings, if you have any questions.
Prep Classes: The ICS PTSA organizes annual ACT and SAT prep courses for ICS students. In 2018-2019, courses were held during the Winter and Spring. Please contact the PTSA for updates on upcoming opportunities. https://icsptsa.org/icsptsa/index.php/support-curriculum/college-partnerships
Books
Students can purchase books from many different testing prep organizations, including the resources above and more to prepare for any type of testing. The International Community School Library and Students Services Office also carry some books for students to check out to prepare for testing. See Ms. Cummings and/or Ms. Peterson for resources.
Local Test Prep Programs
C2 Education
Academic LINK
Sylvan Learning Center
PrepNorthwest
Lake Washington Tutoring List – See your counselor
Additional testing resources include Kaplan Test Prep, Peterson’s Test Prep, Princeton Review, Barron’s Test Prep, and more! Check out their websites for more information.
International Community School