The PSAT/NMSQT tests is only open for current 10^th and 11^th graders and registered homeschool students who reside in Madison’s boundaries. Madison students will automatically be registered for the test. There is no registration required. If your child will not participate in the test, please email Mrs. Frate (@email) and/or your child’s counselor. Parents of homeschooled students should contact Mrs. Frate (@email) to register for the test by September 8, 2023.

The PSAT/NMSQT will be given on October 11, 2023 at Madison during the school day.  Students will be notified of their testing location by email (fcpsschools.net accounts).  Encourage your child to check for updates through their school email.

The new digital PSAT/NMSQT is substantially shorter than its paper and pencil predecessor- lasting 2 hours, 14 minutes instead of almost 3 hours; however, students with College Board-approved extended time will take longer to complete their test. 

Time Allotted and Number of Questions

• Reading and Writing Section: 64 minutes (54 questions)
• Math: 70 minutes (44 questions)

The PSAT Student Guide which include a practice test is linked above.  Additionally, all FCPS student have access to Tutor.com and Khan Academy’s free online test preparation. Tutor.com is accessible via Schoology and provides live tutoring services, including PSAT preparation. Please note that Khan Academy will allow students to download practice tests without having to create an account. When accessing the customized curriculum, students will need to create an account which requires parent/guardian permission. The Khan Academy website also offers general test preparation tips for students. Additional information about the PSAT/NMSQT can be found on College Board’s website.

The digital test is shorter than its paper and pencil predecessor- lasting 2 hours and 14 minutes instead of almost 3 hours. Also, students will have more time, on average, to answer each question. The reading passages will be shorter, and all students will have a built-in calculator that can be used on the entire Math section.

The digital PSAT/NMSQT uses multistage adaptive testing. Each test section (Reading/Writing and Math) is divided into two-equal length, separately timed parts, called modules. Students answer a set of questions in the first module before moving on to the next. The questions that students are given in the second module depend on how they performed on the first module. This type of testing allows for a shorter, but just as reliable, assessment that delivers accurate scores more efficiently.

Students with disabilities who have testing accommodations documented in a 504 Plan or an individualized education program (IEP) may be eligible for testing accommodations on the PSAT/NMSQT. The College Board must approve a formal request for each student. If the student already has College Board accommodations approved from a previous PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, SAT, or AP test, then no further action is needed. Once instated, accommodations remain in place for all College Board testing. The Accommodations Process for College Board Testing webpage provides instructions on how to request College Board testing accommodations, including the required input and consent forms (Enclosures 2-3). To request new or amended College Board accommodations for the October PSAT/NMSQT, return the input and consent forms to the school by August 8, 2023. When returning forms, deliver to:

ATTN: Taylor Bartram

James Madison High School

2500 James Madison Drive

Vienna, VA 22181

OR @email

If your child has not already done so, encourage them to set up a College Board account. This account will allow them access to their score reports when available.  Students should use their FULL LEGAL NAME when creating an account. NEW THIS YEAR: Students may also include a preferred name in their College Board account.

Scores for the PSAT/NMSQT will be available online to students through their free College Board accounts in November. Directions on how to access scores and score release dates are published by College Board via the College Board website.

The following items are required:

• A fully charged school-issued device that has performed the digital readiness check. Students will receive directions regarding the readiness check during advisory in early October.
• A pen or pencil for scratch work

Though not required, consider bringing:

• Snacks and drinks (which must be under your desk during testing)
• If you prefer a hand held calculator to using the embedded Desmos calculator, you can bring an acceptable calculator for use on the Math section.

Please contact Jennifer Frate (@email ) for more information regarding the PSAT/NMSQT.