SAT Fee Waiver Information Below:
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration/fee-waivers
If you choose to request a fee waiver directly from College Board, please:
Read the Fee Waiver: Student Self-Identification resource below for an overview of the process.
Be mindful of registration deadlines and request fee waivers early so you can apply those benefits in a timely manner. Please aim to submit your request as early as possible and at least 1–2 weeks before the registration deadline.
Be prepared to share the contact information of an adult who can verify your eligibility.
Talk to your school counselor if you have questions about the process.
Do you meet the eligibility criteria? If so, you can request a fee waiver directly from the College Board.
What to Expect from the New Digital SAT
The College Board is transitioning to a completely digital SAT. This Fall 2023, students can still take the paper SAT, but starting in Spring 2024, all students will have to take the digital SAT. If you’re planning to take the SAT, I’ve included some critical information to remember and what to expect from the new test below.
What’s different between the paper SAT and digital SAT?
The digital SAT will be administered using the Bluebook test app via laptop, tablet, or Chromebook.
The digital SAT is shorter – about 2 hours instead of 3 hours.
The test uses a multistage adaptive design. As students progress through the test, the difficulty of the later questions is dependent on their answers to previous questions. They will receive more challenging questions if they perform well on the earlier questions, and therefore will be able to score a higher overall score.
The reading passages are shorter, and students can use a calculator for the entire math section.
How can I prepare for the digital SAT?
You should download the free Bluebook App and take their free, full-length practice tests. Not only will this help you practice the necessary skills for the test, but you’ll also get familiar with the format, the digital app, and the digital calculator. After you take a test, you’ll get a detailed score report with answer explanations for each problem.
You can use Khan Academy’s free Digital SAT materials to prepare for the test.
Additional Things to Know:
Students can use scratch paper during the test.
Students can use their own devices (laptop, tablet) or a school-issued one.
The digital SAT will still be on a 1600 scale.
The College Board will still support students with accommodations (this includes allowing students who qualify to take a paper and pencil SAT).
All eligible students will take the digital PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, and PSAT/NMSQT starting this fall 2023.
If you aren’t sure when you want to take the SAT or are choosing between the SAT and ACT, check out Going Merry’s informative blog post on making these decisions here.
The ACT is piloting a digital test in December 2023, but they still plan to offer a paper test. If you prefer taking the paper test, consider taking the ACT instead. Find more information about the digital ACT here: ACT Online Testing | A New Option for Taking the ACT Test.
The College Board may release more information about the digital SAT. You can stay up to date by checking their Digital SAT FAQ page.
Please read this brochure to see if you qualify for an SAT Fee Waiver. Please contact your Alpha Assigned School Counselor if you qualify and would like a Fee Waiver!
Please read this flyer to see if you qualify for an ACT Fee Waiver. Please contact your Alpha Assigned School Counselor if you qualify and would like a Fee Waiver!
PSAT ADMINISTRATION
October 19, 2023
Walnut Grove High School will be offering the PSAT on Thursday, October 19, 2023. All 10th graders will take the PSAT free of charge. 9th and 11th-grade students can sign up to take it for a $20 fee. .
All 10th graders are automatically signed up for the PSAT at Walnut Grove HS. If you are a 9th or 11th grader who would like to register, please use the link that was sent in the email to all 9th-11th grade parents.
The signup deadline WAS Wednesday, September 20, and space is limited.
Whether your child is thinking about attending a two- or four-year college, is going straight into the workforce, or is unsure what they want to do after high school, the PSAT/NMSQT can help make their path clearer. Results from the PSAT/NMSQT provide insights into your child’s academic strengths, along with areas they can work on while still in high school. Taking the PSAT/NMSQT can also help your child to:
Enter the National Merit® Scholarship Program if they meet program requirements specified in the PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide.
See where they are and set a target for where they want to be.
Practice and prepare for the SAT®.
Find out what AP® courses they’re ready to take.
Plan and pay for college.
Connect to their future career.
This fall the PSAT/NMSQT will be administered in a new digital format—followed by the SAT in spring 2024—that will provide an overall easier testing experience for students. Your child will take the PSAT/NMSQT on October 19, 2023 using their school-issued chromebook. Watch this video to see what students can expect from the digital PSAT/NMSQT.