The PSAT/NMSQT tests is only open for current 10^th and 11^th graders and registered homeschool students who reside in West Springfield boundaries. West Springfield students will automatically be registered for the test. There is no registration required. If your child will not participate in the test, please email Mrs. Fitzsimmons ([email protected]) and/or your child’s counselor. Parents of homeschooled students should contact Mrs. Fitzsimmons ([email protected]) by Friday, September 6th.

The PSAT/NMSQT will be given on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at West Springfield during the school day.  Students will be notified of their testing location by email (fcpsschools.net accounts).  Encourage your child to check for updates through their school email.

Please note that FCPS has designated October 9th as a 2-hour early release day for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. 9th grade students will not attend school on this day. 

FCPS transportation will be available to all students, as well as breakfast and lunch. Students who have extended-time accommodations on the PSAT or SAT will be offered late transportation. 

The new digital PSAT/NMSQT is 2 hours, 15 minutes long; however, students with College Board-approved extended time will take longer to complete their test. 

PSAT Sections and Required Time: 

• Reading and Writing - 54 questions
  • Standard Time (1 hour and 4 minutes) 
  • With College Board Approval for 50% Extended Time (1 hour and 36 minutes)
• Math  - 44 questions
  • Standard Time (1 hour and 10 minutes) 
  • With College Board Approval for 50% Extended Time (1 hour and 45 minutes) 

For more information about the structure of the PSAT/NMSQT, please visit the College Board website.

Since the PSAT/NMSQT is now a digital exam, students MUST bring the following: 

• Fully charged FCPS-issued Chromebook. Students may NOT use a personal device to take the digital PSAT on this date.
• Laptop charger
• A pencil or pen 

The following are additional items students MAY bring: 

• External mouse
• Approved calculator (The new digital PSAT/NMSQT has the Desmos graphing calculator built into the exam, so students do not need to bring their own, but may if they feel more comfortable using a handheld calculator)
• Snack or a drink for the break

Please note that West Springfield High School will not supply calculators on test day. 

All students WILL be provided with up to 3 pieces of blank scratch paper, per College Board regulations.

You may NOT bring any electronic “smart” device such as a cell phone, laptop, or wearable technology like a Smart Watch or Fitbit. Students may not wear headphones, Airpods, or earplugs, unless approved for a "noise-cancelling" accommodation by College Board. 

Students found in possession of their cell phone during the SAT will be reported to College Board for a security violation and their score will be cancelled. A retake or makeup will not be offered.

Please leave these items fully turned off in your backpack, in your car, or at home. Proctors will also offer to hold on to devices before the test begins.

Testing Accommodations: Students with disabilities who have testing accommodations documented in a 504 Plan or an individualized education program (IEP) may be eligible for testing accommodations on the PSAT/NMSQT. The College Board must approve a formal request for each student. If the student already has College Board accommodations approved from a previous PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, SAT, or AP test, there is no need to resubmit accommodation requests. Once instated, accommodations remain in place for all College Board testing. 

Digital Format: This fall, the PSAT/NMSQT will be delivered digitally. Some testing accommodations are administered differently on digital tests than they are on paper/pencil tests. Please reference the Using Accommodations on Digital Tests chart to review how each accommodation is delivered digitally. 

Requesting Accommodations: The Accommodations Process for College Board Testing webpage provides instructions on how to request College Board testing accommodations, including the required input and consent forms (Enclosures 2-3). To request new or amended College Board accommodations for the October PSAT/NMSQT, return the input and consent forms to the school by August 5, 2024. When returning forms, deliver to:

ATTN: Ashley Springsteen

West Springfield High School

6100 Rolling Road

West Springfield, VA 22152

OR @email