Chariot Learning
  • About
    • FAQ
    • Our Curriculum
    • Areas Chariot Learning Serves
  • Services
    • SAT & ACT Prep
    • SAT/ACT TestFlip
    • Academic Coaching
    • Subject Tutoring
    • Proctored Practice Tests
    • GRE Prep
    • College Essay Coaching
  • Calendar
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Contact
September 19, 2018 by Mike Bergin

Where to Take the PSAT

whytakethepsatThe approach of the PSAT each October triggers all kinds of questions. Students and parents both wonder how the PSAT is different from the SAT, what the PSAT has to do with National Merit Scholarships, or even whether the PSAT is worth taking or skipping entirely. However, people rarely think about where to take the PSAT.

Test takers may strategize where and when to sit for the SAT or ACT, but the PSAT rarely requires such considerations. By default, almost all students take their PSATs at their high schools on whichever of three available October dates the school chooses. Since high schools actively manage the PSAT registration process–again, a departure from SAT and ACT protocol–students don’t need to worry about the where or when of testing.

However, the default PSAT option doesn’t work for every student. Some have sports obligations that take precedence on the appointed date, while others have to manage personal or religious considerations. Homeschooled students don’t even have a high school to arrange testing for them! Fortunately, alternate arrangements can be made, given enough notice and cooperation.

The College Board hides the process for finding a PSAT location on the Home-Schooled Students page for PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10. The simple steps, however, apply to any student needing a new place to sit for the test:

1. Use the School Search tool to find a local school that’s giving the PSAT on a day you can take it.

2. Contact the counseling office at that school as far in advance as possible. College Board recommends four months before the test, but even a month in advance may work.

You may have to set up a College Board account and include your actual school if accommodations are involved, but even those steps are relatively simple. Committing to take the PSAT at your school on the default date may not require much work at all, but scheduling to take the test elsewhere is fairly easy as well, at least if you don’t wait until the last minute!

PSAT

Previous articleTest Ready for Fall 2018Next article Success with SAT Founding Documents
Mike Bergin
Tens of thousands of students a year prep for the SAT & ACT through programs Mike Bergin created or organized. After more than 25 years of intensive experience in the education industry, he's done it all as a teacher, tutor, director, curriculum developer, blogger, podcaster, and best-selling author. Mike founded Chariot Learning in 2009 to deliver on the promise of what truly transformative individualized education can and should be.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Helping high schoolers with tests, school, and life is what Chariot Learning is all about. Let us know how we can help you!

Latest Posts

  • Do Not Take the Same Test Over and Over
  • Dress for Success on Test Day
  • Do I Qualify for a National Merit Scholarship?
  • The Case for the October SAT & ACT
  • Brain Food: Go Nuts for High Scores

Subscribe to Mike’s Podcast

Subscribe to Tests and the Rest

Roots2Words

LOOKING TO SELF-PREP?

Learn about TestFlip, the ultimate in self-directed supplemental SAT/ACT prep, powered by Chariot Learning.

Also subscribe to College Road, our free email newsletter delivering expert insights, news, admissions action steps, and more.

Testimonials

Working with Chariot Learning was the best preparation choice we could have made. Robert's test scores increased by nearly 50 percentile points. Plus he learned reading and writing skills that he was able to apply immediately in school. Thanks so much!

Bob & Sarah, Brighton parents

Read more testimonials...

PODCAST

Tests and the Rest is the ultimate college admissions industry podcast. Join Mike Bergin and Amy Seeley every Tuesday and Friday as they discuss the latest issues in testing, admissions, learning, and education with leading experts.
© 2023 Chariot Learning, LLC. All rights reserved.