PSAT/NMSQT
The PSAT/NMSQT is a preliminary version of the SAT that is offered to 10th and 11th grade students during October. The 2025 PSAT/NMSQT is scheduled at CHS on October 21 and 22. The test schedule may be revised or cancelled due to changes in school operations or College Board procedures. CHS students must register for the test by Monday, August 25 using a link sent to their student email. Students will be assigned a test date after registering for the test. The deadline to register for the PSAT at Calhoun High School is Monday, August 25.
If you are not sure if taking the PSAT is right for you, please see this ACT/SAT Decision Chart to determine if taking the test supports your goals.
10th Grade PSAT - Practice for the SAT
For tenth-grade students, the PSAT serves as practice for the SAT, a standardized test accepted by many four-year colleges for admission. Students who do not register for the PSAT may take free SAT practice tests at any time at khanacademy.org. College-bound students should also plan to take the SAT and/or ACT (college entrance exams) during the spring of their 11th-grade year or the fall of their Senior year.
11th Grade - National Merit Qualifying Test (NMSQT)
Students in 11th grade may choose to take the PSAT to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program competition. National Merit Scholars typically score in the top 1% of students taking the PSAT/NMSQT. Please go to the National Merit website for information on all NM opportunities. There is a testing fee (determined by the College Board) of $18.00 for 11th-grade students. Fee waivers are not available for the PSAT.
How to Register for the PSAT at CHS
CHS students in 10th and 11th grade receive the registration form in their school email accounts. Students who wish to take the PSAT must complete this form by the end of the school day on Monday, August 25. Homeschool students may contact Mrs. Ashley Wood at wooda@calhounschools.org or Mrs. Darenda Milam at milmad@calhounschools.org by Friday, August 22 to request a PSAT registration form. All registration forms must be submitted by Monday, August 25. There will be no exceptions to this deadline!
Homeschool Students
Homeschool students in grades 10 and 11 may contact Ashley Wood at (706) 629-9213 by Friday, August 22 to request a PSAT registration form. Testing seats are limited and not guaranteed. Testing fees may apply. All registration forms must be submitted by Monday, August 25 at 3:45 pm.
When is the test?
The PSAT/NMSQT is administered at CHS during the regular school day. Students are responsible for any work missed in their classes during their assigned testing session. Registered students will be assigned to one of the following test dates: October 21 or 22. The test schedule may be revised or cancelled due to changes in school operations or College Board procedures. The test lasts approximately 3 hours.
Students will also be required to attend a scheduled Digital Readiness check prior to their assigned test date.
How will I get my scores?
Scores are typically released by the College Board by December. Score reports are sent electronically to the student's College Board/Big Future account. Students should set up a College Board account on the College Board website to access their scores. Information from the College Board on how to access your scores will be available on the College Board/PSAT website.
Other questions?
Contact Mrs. Wood at wooda@calhounschools.org