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GENERAL PSAT DETAILS (Expand to read more)
GENERAL PSAT DETAILS (Expand to read more)
The PSAT is open to 9th-12th grade students, but strongly encouraged for 10th and 11th graders. The NMSQT is only given to 11th grade students (read below).
The NMSQT is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test given to college-bound juniors. The test is a preliminary SAT and used by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as its qualifying test to determine National Merit Semifinalists.
No need to be dual enrolled to take the PSAT/NMSQT test at AHS.
PSAT/ NMSQT is administered in mid-October at AHS.
Cost - $20
College Board will not be providing hard copies of the Student Guide this year. However, students can easily access the Student Guide for the PSAT/NMSQT. This is important to look through to answer any questions you may have regarding the PSAT/NMSQT.
CHANGES BEGINNING OCT 2023: THE PSAT will be given digitally and is shorter in length. It will take about 2 hours 15 minutes rather than 3 hours.
Calculator: A built-in Desmos graphing calculator is available for the entire Math section. The calculator is provided in the practice test to allow you to practice using the calculator before the test. (You can also bring your own acceptable calculator; please see psat.org/calculator for a full list.)
Results will be released mid-December. If your student provides their email address on their answer sheet, then results will be sent to that email. Otherwise, PRIOR TO TAKING THE TEST, please have your student create a collegeboard account so that they may be notified by logging onto their CollegeBoard account to view their results (recommended).
Full length practice tests can be found here.
NEW: In case you were familiar with the personalized practice recommendations on Khan Academy based on student results from the new SAT® , PSAT/NMSQT® , PSATTM 10, and PSATTM 8/9- those were discontinued in December of 2023. However, Khan still provides PSAT practice. Find out more here.
2026 AHS SPECIFIC PSAT INFORMATION and ACTION ITEMS (Expand to read more)
2026 AHS SPECIFIC PSAT INFORMATION and ACTION ITEMS (Expand to read more)
PSAT REGISTRATION (CHECK BACK FOR MORE DETAILS)
PSAT REGISTRATION (CHECK BACK FOR MORE DETAILS)
PSAT INFORMATION
Interested in taking the PSAT Exam?
The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is an optional college readiness assessment designed for students who want to practice for the SAT while gaining valuable feedback about their academic strengths and areas for growth. Juniors may also qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program based on their scores. While PSAT scores are not used for college admissions, they provide valuable feedback and personalized resources to help students prepare for college and future testing.
NEW PSAT/AP Exam Registration Process
Beginning this school year, Ames High will use AP Test Service (APTS) for PSAT and Advanced Placement (AP) exam registration and payment.
APTS provides a streamlined registration process, secure online payments, and timely reminders to help students and families stay on track with important AP exam deadlines.
To register for the PSAT exam and learn more about APTS, view this website.
NOTE: ON THE APTS FORM, there is not a dual-enrolled options, please indicate "homeschool", even if your student is dual-enrolled. When registering with Collegboard, you can put Ames High School as your student's school even if your student is fully-enrolled since there is not a homeschool or dual-enrolled option.
Who: Primarily for 10th and 11th graders, but open to all high school students.
Open to all 9th-12th grade students. 9th and 10th grade students are also able to take this for extra practice and I think it’s great practice, whether on the SAT or ACT track
Note that the PSAT also serves as one of the allowable required proficiency measures for taking DMACC or ISU coursework while in high school.
Test Date: October 21, 2026
Register by: September 18, 2026
How to register: https://aptsusa.com/ames/psat/
Fee: $20
Why take it?
Practice for the SAT, access to scholarship opportunities (including National Merit), and qualifying PSAT scores can be used for proficiency requirements to take DMACC or ISU courses.
Note that the PSAT also serves as one of the allowable required proficiency measures for taking DMACC or ISU coursework while in high school.
For those who are not familiar with the AHS campus, please see the AHS MAP of where to park and enter. Below, you will see a more detailed view of the main entrance and parking lot location.
IMPORTANT ACTION ITEMS BEFORE TAKING THE TEST!
1) ALL STUDENTS TAKING THE PSAT
If you haven't already done so, it's important that you create a Collegeboard account here BEFORE the test. You should devote about 10 minutes to the process. Please put Ames High School as your school and I'd recommend using your personal email, not your school email, as you may need to access test scores after you no longer have access to your school email. THIS IS HOW YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR PSAT score!
2) For non-dual enrolled students OR dual enrolled students who do not have an ACSD issued chromebook:
Sometime the week of October 19th, please go the the AHS MEDIA CENTER and see the AHS Media Specialist, James Miller, so that you may obtain 1) a school ID 2) a chromebook for the purpose of taking the PSAT. Mr. Miller does not need to be contacted, he will have the computers ready for all non-dual enrolled students with student names on them in case he is not there. He or someone in the media center will also be ready to provide your student with an ID.
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