PSAT/SAT

  1. Home
  2. College & Career Readiness
  3. PSAT/SAT

PSAT/NMSQT® and SAT Testing Information

Austin ISD believes in creating as many opportunities as possible for our students to own their future. That’s why we offer the PSAT/NMSQT® (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) to our students. Whether your child is thinking about attending a two- or four-year college, a job training program, or isn’t sure what they want to do after high school, the PSAT/NMSQT can help make their career goals and postsecondary path clearer. Results from the PSAT/NMSQT provide insights into your child’s academic strengths, along with areas they can work on while still in high school.

Why Take the PSAT/NMSQT?

Taking the PSAT/NMSQT can help your child to:

  • Scholarship Opportunities: Enter the National Merit® Scholarship Program if they meet program requirements specified in the PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide.
  • Identify Strengths: Understand their skills and knowledge and identify areas to focus on improving.
  • Test Preparation: Practice and prepare for the SAT®.
  • Course Planning: Find out what AP® (Advanced Placement) courses they’re ready to take.
  • College Prep: Plan and pay for college.
  • Career Exploration: Explore personalized career insights aligned to their score.

Austin ISD provides the SAT School Day to all 11th-grade students. Taking the SAT during the school day ensures students can take a college entrance exam at no cost and without weekend scheduling conflicts.

Why Take the SAT?

Taking the SAT helps your child to:

  • College Admissions: Fulfill entrance exam requirements for colleges and universities nationwide.
  • TSI Exemption: Satisfy Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA2) requirements for Texas public colleges with qualifying scores.
  • Scholarship Access: Submit official scores for college-specific merit scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
  • Free & Accessible: Test on campus during normal school hours without paying test fees or organizing weekend transportation.

Administration & Important Dates (2026–27 School Year)

For the 2026–2027 school year, high school campuses will administer the PSAT/NMSQT to 10th and 11th grade students in the fall, and the SAT to 11th grade students in the spring. Students will test using their own school-issued device.

Fall 2026 PSAT/NMSQT (Grades 10 & 11)

  • Primary Test Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
  • Makeup Test Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Spring 2027 SAT School Day (Grade 11)

  • Primary Test Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2027
  • Makeup Test Date: Tuesday, March 23, 2027

Please Note: Some high school campuses may be testing on different dates. Please check with your student’s campus to confirm their specific testing dates.

College Board Resources