PSAT/NMSQT Accommodations

Hello,
I started at a new school as a sophomore, and I will be taking the PSAT/NMSQT this October. Based on my educational testing (WISC-IV and WISC-V), I require extended time (maybe time and a half) and the deadline for registration was August 30th. So obviously I have missed this deadline, and the coordinator at my school says it is too late. I really want to have the accommodation, so can you think of any ways to ask the College Board to review the application anyway?

I can’t really speak as for the accommodation or not, but from my understanding, taking the PSAT before junior year is essentially just taking a practice test. The scores only count for National Merit when taken junior year. So I hope that you are able to take the test, but if for some reason you are not allowed, make sure to take it next year as a junior, and then you’ll be given the best opportunity to ensure your extended time. Best of luck.

I agree. Just make sure you get the application in ahead of time for the junior year PSAT. That’s the one that might matter if you think you might be in range for National Merit Scholar semi-finalist. If not, you want to make sure you’re applications for the ACT and SAT are timely. Those are the tests that REALLY matter.

FWIW we found it next to impossible to get any sort of accommodations from the College Board (PSAT/SAT/AP exams) no matter how much supporting documentation was submitted. There were years where we applied and appealed and eventually my kids just stopped applying. College Board is notoriously stingy with accommodations. (I’m not saying don’t try, but also do not be surprised if they say no.)

The ACT, on the other hand, is not only much easier to get accommodations for, extended time is automatically time-and-a-half with self-guided progress through the sections. This won’t help you with the PSAT/NMSQT, but keep it in mind – especially if the College Board refuses your request next year – and maybe plan on using the ACT rather than the SAT for your “big” test.

Unless you have clear evidence from previous testing that you are likely to score in the tippy-top range of the PSAT and thus be eligible for National Merit honors, the test is a waste of your time. The scores aren’t used for anything else meaningful. Yes, it is a way for the College Board to collect your data so that it can turn around and sell that to colleges for their marketing, yes some school systems use the scores for my-students-are-smarter-than-yours games that the principals play with each other, and yes you can consider it a practice for the SAT, but truly on the whole you are probably better off taking the morning off and going to brunch with your mom & dad. That’s what Happykid did.