Digital PSAT/NMSQT Registration

For those who registered, please refer to sections below for more test day details and PSAT/NMSQT preparation tips.

As a reminder, the PSAT/NMSQT is a digital test. Additional details about the PSAT/NMSQT can be found at this College Board NMSQT Link. Please watch this short video link which provides an overview of digital testing and what it will look like on test day for students.

We encourage all juniors to register for this test, as it could provide access to national recognition awards or scholarships. Additionally, this assessment is a great practice test for the National SATs.

Specific details for each grade level for this special school day on Thursday, October 10th will be emailed and mailed to all VHHS families in September.

The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a standardized test administered by the College Board and cosponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation in the United States. The PSAT/NMSQT exam is aligned to the SAT and also helps to prepare for optional National SAT exams your students make take as part of their post-secondary planning process. The PSAT/NMSQT also serves as one of the competitive measures for the highly selective National Merit Scholarship Program. This is the qualifying test for national merit scholarships, college scholarships and the Hispanic/African American heritage recognition scholarship. Additional information on the PSAT/NMSQT test can be found at http://collegeboard.com/psat.

Payment/Registration Process:

This test is $18 and will take place on Thursday, October 10th at 8:45 am at Vernon Hills High School. Please register for the PSAT/NMSQT by making a payment in the D128 Web Store (if your family currently participates in the fee waiver program, please submit this google form).

The deadline to register for the PSAT/NMSQT is Friday, August 30th 11:59 pm.

We encourage students to prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT. There are two primary options for test preparation:

• The free platform provided by Khan Academy has thousands of practice problems. This will help in personalized preparation for future PSAT/SAT assessments.
• Additionally, students can prepare for the digital testing experience by accessing their Blue Book App in their app kiosk on their school-issued Chromebook (here is the student guide for using Blue Book to access NMSQT practice). Students should NOT attempt to download the app as it already exists on their school-issued Chromebook.
• Read through the PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide (Fall 2024) for more information and test taking advice and tips.
• Don't forget, watch this short video link which provides an overview of the digital testing experience and what it will look like on test day for students.

A few important reminders for test day:

• October 10th is DARING Day across District 128. Specific experiences for each grade level have been communicated. This day is reserved for juniors to take the PSAT/NMSQT.
• Prior to test day, all students taking the NMSQT are required to complete a digital readiness check (DRC) in their blue book app. Students will need to attend one of the DRC sessions offered on Oct. 1st or 2nd. Details will be communicated by VHHS leading up to test day. Students who do not complete the pre-test requirements cannot test per the College Board.
• Students will use their District 128 issued Chromebook to take the PSAT/NMSQT. Personal devices cannot be used for the NMSQT.
• The test will last just over 2 hours. Students who test with College Board approved accommodations may test longer.
• All bus routes will run on October 10th.
• You can find additional details about test day in this letter which was mailed home.

Students with approved College Board accommodations will automatically receive their accommodations through the new digital platform. Specific details and additional information will be forthcoming from Ms. Allison Farrell, the VHHS special services test coordinator. If you have questions prior to test day you can contact Ms. Farrell at allison.farrell@d128.org. If any EL students who receive accommodations have questions, please direct them to Ms. Fernandez at jessica.fernandez@d128.org.

According to the College Board, scores will be provided in three releases based on when students test and submit their answers. Currently, VHHS students' scores will be released to the student reporting portal on October 24th. The student portal is their unique College Board Account.

Student Portal & Accessing Scores

• Students can log into their College Board portal to access scores when they become available in late October. According to the College Board update, students may also have access on their phone.
• If students opt to use the BigFuture School mobile app, scores. along with nonprofit college and scholarship messages, and personalized guidance will delivered straight to you. You will receive a text as soon as sores are available.
  
  

Please use the PSAT/SAT Understanding Your Scores Newsletter for details regarding how to access scores, create accounts, or reset passwords.