PreACT & PSAT/NMSQT Comparison

  • The PreACT and PSAT/NMSQT are designed to help you prepare for future college entrance exams. Taking these exams help you determine your strengths and areas of improvement as you work toward college and career readiness.

    Advantages for Freshman & Sophomores:

    • Become familiar with the college testing process.
    • Use scores to identify strengths & areas of improvement to create a study plan for future tests (SAT/ACT).
    • Interested in dual credit (earning college credit & high school credit)? PSAT scores serve as the testing requirement for dual credit enrollment if students score 460 or above on the Evidence Based Reading & Writing portion of the exam.
    • Use your PSAT online score portal to identify AP courses that match your academic abilities.

    Advantages for Juniors:

    • Become familiar with the college testing process.
    • Use scores to identify strengths & areas of improvement to create a study plan for future tests (SAT/ACT).
    • Interested in dual credit (earning college credit & high school credit)? PSAT scores serve as the testing requirement for dual credit enrollment if students score 460 or above on the Evidence Based Reading & Writing portion of the exam.
    • Use your PSAT online score portal to identify AP courses that match your academic abilities.
    • By taking the PSAT, Juniors could qualify for certain recognition and scholarship programs, including National Merit Scholar!

     Please use the guide below to understand the difference between the PreACT and PSAT/NMSQT.

     

    PreACT

    PSAT/NMSQT

    EMS ISD Test Date

    October 18, 2023

    October 11, 2023

    Cost

    $18.00 (Grades 9, 10, 11 & Homeschool)

    $18.00 (Grades 9, 10, 11 & Homeschool)

    Grade Levels 

    9th, 10th, 11th Grades  

    9th, 10th, 11th Grades  

    Sections

    English (30 min)

    Math (40 min)

    Reading (30 min)

    Science (30 min)

    Reading & Writing (64 min)

    Math (70 min)

    Important Features

    Helps prepare students for the ACT college entrance exam, which students should begin taking during the Spring of their Junior year

    Allows students to explore how career aspirations align with interests

     

     

    Helps prepare students for the SAT college entrance exam, which students should begin taking during the Spring of their Junior year

    Juniors can qualify for scholarship opportunities based on the score they receive (National Merit & More)

    Students can recieve a TSIA2 waiver for dual credit course enrollment if at least a 460 is scored on the Reading & Writing section of the exam

    Scores can be linked with Khan Academy to provide an online study resource for the SAT

    Rights Only Scoring (No Penalty for Guessing)

    Score Reporting

    Total Score: 1- 35

    Feedback is provided on where a student falls in their path to achieving college readiness

    Total Score: 320-1520

    Feedback is provided on where a student falls in their path to achieving college readiness