PSAT/NMSQT Testing Day: Essential Information for Friday, Oct. 30

 Important information regarding the mandatory PSAT/NMSQT exam for all freshmen, sophomores, and juniors on Friday, October 30, 2026. 

Freshman and Sophomores: Report at 8:00am to Caruso and Loyola Hall 

Juniors: Report at 11:00am to Caruso (extra time students will be emailed their location)

 This digital assessment is a key component of our college preparatory program, and it serves a distinct and valuable purpose for each class:

• Freshmen: It provides the first opportunity to practice for a high-stakes, standardized test, building confidence for future exams like the SAT and ACT.
• Sophomores: The results can qualify students for the Ray Dass Merit test preparation program, a significant resource for PSAT performance in the junior year.
• Juniors: This is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). High scores can lead to National Merit recognition, which can provide scholarship opportunities and is a notable achievement for students applying to highly selective universities.

 Preparing for Test Day

To ensure students are well-prepared, we encourage them to get a good night’s sleep on Tuesday evening. On Wednesday morning, it is crucial that they eat a nutritious breakfast before arriving on campus, as Z’licious Eatz will not be open for service. For those who wish to engage in some light review, the Ray Dass SARA platform is an excellent tool.

 Test Day Logistics and Instructions

Please review the following details carefully to ensure a smooth testing experience for everyone.

Arrival:

• Arrive to campus early, anticipating possible heavy traffic.

What to Bring:

• A fully charged, personal device (laptop) with the College Board Bluebook application already downloaded.
• Two writing utensils (pencils or pens).
• A water bottle (this is the only beverage permitted).
• A scientific or graphing calculator is permitted OR any standard four-function calculator (although the Bluebook app has a built-in calculator)

Please Do NOT Bring:

• Food or other drinks: No food is permitted in the testing room.
• Electronic Devices: In accordance with school policy, cell phones, smartwatches, and headphones/earbuds are strictly prohibited in the testing environment and must be turned off and secured in a backpack before the test begins. Accessing any of these devices during testing is a serious breach of academic integrity.

During the Test:

• Scratch paper will be provided for all students.
• The exam will take approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes for students with regular time and 4 hours for students with extended time.
• Official breaks are built into the testing schedule. No one will be permitted to leave the room for the restroom during active testing periods. Please use the restroom before arriving at your testing location.