PSAT/SAT Exams

Test Dates & Information

 

Students who want to apply to a 4-year college should take at least one of the nationally recognized standardized tests called the ACT or SAT.

Prospect High School is offering both the PSAT and SAT for students. Please see below for who is eligible as well as location for testing. The website will be updated as more information regarding registration becomes available.

PSAT/NMSQT

 

Taking the PSAT will give you an idea of how you will perform on the SAT or ACT. Plus, College Board provides a breakdown of a student's results so that you can better prepare for the SAT or ACT.

October 30, 2025 Testing

  • PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)
    • Eligible: Grade 10 & 11 students
    • National Merit qualification (11th only)
    • Location: Prospect High School

April 9 & 10, 2026 Testing

  • PSAT 10
    • Eligible: Grade 10 (Prospect Only)
    • NOT used for National Merit qualification
    • Location: Prospect High School
    • Tested during the school day by Alpha split

SAT Exam

 

The SAT is a standardized college admissions test measuring skills in reading, writing, and math, primarily taken by high school students to apply to colleges in the U.S. It is administered six times a year by the College Board. Prospect will be hosting exam dates below:

October 30, 2025 Testing

  • SAT Exam
    • Eligible: Grade 12 students
    • Location: Prospect High School

April 9, 2026 Testing

  • SAT Exam
    • Eligible: Grade 11 students
    • Location: Prospect High School
    • Tested after school day

Deadlines

 
Test Test Date Location Time SSD Accom. Cost Payment Deadline
PSAT/NMSQT: Grade 10 & 11 Oct 30, 2025 PHS Check in: 1:00pm
Start: 1:30pm
Sept 8, 2025 $20 CLOSED
SAT: Grade 12 Oct 30, 2025 PHS Check in: 1:00pm
Start: 1:30pm
Sept 8, 2025 $68 CLOSED
SAT: Grade 11 April 9, 2026 PHS Gym Check in: 1:00pm
Start: 1:30pm
Feb 11, 2026 $68 Mar 20, 2026
PSAT 10: Grade 10
**Tested by Alpha Split
A-L: April 9, 2026
 
M-Z: April 10, 2026
PHS Gym Check in: 8:30am
Start: 9:00am
Feb 11, 2026 FREE Automatic Sign-up

How to Register

 

Prospect students will register for all exams through our CUHSD Webstore.

Please see below to register for each of the exams. Also below are instructions to support students and families on how to sign up for Webstore registration!

 
Frequently Asked Question
 
 
Non-Prospect Student Registration (Click to Expand)

Space dependent, students that live in Prospect boundaries can sign up for the exam. Please fill out the Google Form, which will require proof of address.

Students and families will be notified if there is space after the Prospect registration deadline is complete.

Complete Google Form
Other Exams & Future Testing (Click to Expand)

Unfortunately, we do not plan to offer any other exams or become a testing center in the near future. If you are a Prospect student, please be sure to sign up for these exams. We will be offering these exams yearly, so make sure to stay up-to-date with testing dates!

Make-Up Exams & Absence Policy (Click to Expand)

Unfortunately, there are no make-up exams for the PSAT or SAT. If you are unable to make it, please go to College Board and sign up for an exam at a local testing center.

SSD Accommodations & Requests (Click to Expand)

Approval by the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) is always required before students can take exams with accommodations. For more information on how to request accommodations, please click here.

Your school counselor will submit your request; please provide:

  • Consent Forms: English or Spanish
  • Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan

Non-Prospect Students: If you have been approved to take the exam in a different location, please learn how to submit SSD accommodations on your own.

SAT vs. ACT Comparison (Click to Expand)
FEATURE SAT ACT
Overall Scoring Scored out of 1600 Scored out of 36
Reading Level Higher average reading level (more difficult passages) Lower average reading level
Reading Presence More reading throughout the test, including in math and writing sections Reading mainly in the reading section
Timing Slightly less time pressure More demanding timing (more questions in less time)
Science No separate science section, but charts/graphs appear in other sections Has a separate optional science section (mostly reading comprehension of charts/graphs)
Calculator Policy Built-in Desmos graphing calculator; allowed for all questions Calculator allowed, but physical only
Problem Variety Frequent switching between types of problems (charts, graphs, passages) More straightforward structure
Adaptive Elements Adaptive: second module of each section adjusts based on performance No adaptive testing—static format
College Preference & Test Selection (Click to Expand)

Colleges weigh both the SAT and ACT equally and have no preference for one standardized test over the other. Students should take the test that is more suited to their individual strengths.

Final Testing Checklist & Readiness (Click to Expand)

Use this checklist to track your progress and ensure you are ready for test day.

Diagnostic: Completed initial full-length SAT and ACT practice tests to compare scores.
Resources: Downloaded Bluebook and linked Khan Academy accounts.
Stamina: Completed at least two full-length "simulated" exams in a single sitting.
Error Analysis: Reviewed every mistake from practice tests and identified "Careless" vs "Content" errors.
Test Day Pack: ID, Admission Ticket, Approved Calculator, and backup pencils/batteries ready.
Trust your preparation and stay calm!
Diagnostic Testing & Practice Exams (Click to Expand)

While students ultimately focus on just one exam, it’s important to consider both the SAT and ACT before committing. The best way to decide is through diagnostic testing—a full-length practice exam taken under realistic conditions.

Where to find Practice Exams:

Note: Students can also find full-length practice books at their local library.

Practice Tests & College Career Center (Click to Expand)

Prospect partners with Revolution Prep to offer our students FREE full-length practice tests for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT. More information and specific testing dates can be found by visiting the partner link.

Additionally, the College & Career Center maintains a collection of SAT and ACT prep books that students are welcome to utilize for their studies.

Questions? Contact Ms. Kauser (College & Career Specialist) at [email protected]