The PSAT/NMSQT exam is an optional practice test for the SAT, which is administered by College Board each year in October, and serves as the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship competition when taken during junior year. The PSAT may also be taken by highly motivated and academically driven 10th grade students as practice for the qualifying PSAT/NMSQT exam to be taken their junior year.
| What the PSAT/NMSQT exam IS: | What the PSAT/NMSQT Exam IS NOT: |
| OptionalPractice for the SAT Qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship competition (Junior year only) Potential recruitment avenue for colleges, based on score/performance | NOT a required exam NOT the same as the PreACT NOT an entry exam for college admissions NOT taken during the regular school day NOT a free examNOT for seniors |
The digital PSAT exam will be administered for students who attend any LPS high school at two locations this year – Don Clifton and Lincoln North Star. Any LPS student in 10th or 11th grade may choose to take this optional exam at either testing location. All participating students will be responsible for bringing their fully charged LPS-issued Chromebook to the exam on testing day. Students will not be permitted to take the PSAT using their personal laptop or other personal device, nor will “loaner” devices be available.
Registration Dates: Interested Northwest students will register in the Student Success Center between the hours of 7:30 am – 3:30 pm during the appropriate registration window below. There are a limited number of seats available for this test across the district — register early!
- September 3-9 – LPS JUNIORS ONLY
- September 10-17 – LPS SOPHOMORES and LPS JUNIORS
Exam Fee: $45.00. Students who qualify for the free/reduced meals program are eligible for a reduced exam fee of $30.00. Please communicate this at registration time. Payment must be made at the time of registration – cash or check (made out to Lincoln Northwest High School) is preferred.
Testing Dates and Locations: Students may only register for one test date/location. Students from any LPS high school may register to take the PSAT/NMSQT at either of these locations. Note that both testing these dates are non-school days during LPS Fall Break (College Board sets these dates). Students will need to know which testing date they wish to register for at the time of registration.
- Saturday, October 11 – Don Clifton Professional Learning Center (710 Hill Street), 8:00 am
- Monday, October 13 – Lincoln North Star High School (5801 N. 33rd Street), 8:00 am
If you have questions about the PSAT, please contact Ms. Sharpe, PSAT coordinator at Northwest.
