Orestimba High School

The PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized assessment closely connected to the SAT and cosponsored by the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. At Orestimba High School all 10th graders take this test and 11th graders (optional- can sign up) in order to help prepare students from college admissions exams. The test is given to the students in school on a school day.

The PSAT/NMSQT is part of the College Board’s SAT Suite of Assessments. Because it shares a score scale with the other tests in the suite and assesses the same knowledge and skills in a grade-appropriate way, it can help educators track student progress over time.

Here are some reasons for schools to give their students the PSAT/NMSQT:

• The test offers students opportunities to earn scholarships and academic recognition.

• Students can use their PSAT/NMSQT scores to get free personalized practice for the SAT.

• PSAT/NMSQT scores give students and their teachers information on what AP courses they will likely do well in.

• Their scores also give students information on what areas they’re strong in and what they need to work on.

Exams Typically Required for College Admissions

Costs: These exams are not free and typically cost approximately $60 each. However, some students may qualify for fee waivers that completely covers the cost of the exams. Please visit the OHS Counseling Center to learn more about this option.

When should you take the exams?

The ideal time to take the SAT and/or ACT is towards the end of your junior year and for a second time at the start of your senior year. These exams will include material you will have covered throughout 9th, 10th, and 11th grades. There are multiple dates to choose from. If you need assistance with choosing a date, please visit the OHS Counseling Center for more information.

The SAT and SAT Subject Tests are designed to assess your academic readiness for college. These exams provide a path to opportunities, financial support, and scholarships, in a way that's fair to all students. The SAT and SAT Subject Tests keep pace with what colleges are looking for today, measuring the skills required for success in the 21st century.

How can I prepare for the SAT?

Collegeboard has partnered up with Khan Academy to offer world-class, free practice to all, making the test easy to prepare for. Students can link their Collegeboard account which will have their PSAT and/or SAT scores (if taken) and they will receive specialized test prep based on the results from their test/s.

During the 2017-2018 academic year, for the first time the Newman Crows Landing Unified School District was able to offer all students an opportunity to take the SAT during the school day. SAT School Day which took place on March 21, 2018 provided an opportunity for all students to be able to take the test.

To learn more and register for the SAT exams, click here
https://sat.collegeboard.org/home

The ACT is not an aptitude or an IQ test. The test questions on the ACT are directly related to what you have learned in your high school courses in English, mathematics, reading, and science. Every day you attend class you are preparing for the ACT. The harder you work in school, the more prepared you will be for the test.

How can I prepare for the ACT?

ACT and Kaplan have partnered to offer ACT Kaplan Online Prep. Student who qualify for a fee waiver receive a free subscription when they register for an exam. For all others, the cost varies based on the subscription period chosen. For more information visit the ACT website.

To learn more and register for the ACT exam, click here
http://www.actstudent.org/