Getting Ready Academically FAQ
How important are grades for college applications?
Your child's high school transcript is one of the most important parts of their college application, but it's not just about earning high grades. Colleges look for students who challenge themselves by taking honors and college-level courses like AP.
To get a copy of your child's transcript, talk to their school counselor.
What courses does my child need to take to get in to college?
Your child should take at least five solid academic classes every semester. Be sure to check college websites to see if specific courses are required for acceptance into certain majors.
Your child's school counselor can help them choose courses that will fulfill college requirements. Read more about the high school courses colleges often look for.
Who can take an AP course?
We don't have any requirements students must fulfill to take AP. However, individual schools may have their own AP enrollment policy. If your child wants to take an AP course, they should talk to their counselor. Students are more likely to succeed in AP if they’re willing to work hard and if they’ve taken the courses recommended by their counselor to prepare for a particular AP course. See the Get Started in AP checklist.
What are my child's options if an AP course isn't offered at their school?
If your child wants to take an AP course that's not offered at their school, they might be able to take it online or complete an independent study.
To take an AP Exam, they'll need to reach out to their school's AP coordinator.
Can students take an AP Exam without enrolling in the course?
Yes. Although it's not recommended, any student who feels prepared for the exam can take it. They'll have to find somewhere that's offering the exam—often a nearby school—and talk to that school's AP coordinator about signing up.
How does a student qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program?
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual competition for high school students (both traditional and homeschooled) planning to attend college. Students need to take the PSAT/NMSQT, usually in their junior year, to be eligible for scholarships and recognition through the program. Taking the PSAT 8/9 or the PSAT 10 won't qualify students for the program.
Can ninth graders take the PSAT/NMSQT?
Yes, but they won't be eligible to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program. The PSAT/NMSQT is designed for 10th and 11th graders.
Some schools offer the PSAT 8/9, which tests the same skills as the PSAT/NMSQT, but in ways that are appropriate for earlier grade levels. Check with your child's school counselor to see if your school offers the PSAT 8/9.
How are the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT related?
The SAT® Suite of Assessments is made up of the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT™ 10, and PSAT™ 8/9. Each test measures the same knowledge and skills for different grade levels, from grades 8–12. The tests use a common score scale, so educators and students get consistent feedback to help monitor growth across grades and find areas in need of improvement. Learn more about the score structure.
What score does my child need to get on the PSAT/NMSQT Math Test to do well on the SAT?
The PSAT/NMSQT and the SAT share a common score scale. This means that a PSAT/NMSQT Math score of 500 is similar to an SAT Math score of 500. However, the definition of "doing well on the SAT" varies, depending on which colleges your child applies to and what else their applications say about them. Read more about good SAT scores.
Where can my child get their PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or PSAT 8/9 scores?
Scores are released on a rolling basis depending on when students took the test. When their score is released, students will get a copy of it from your school.
If a student took a digital PSAT/NMSQT®, PSAT™ 10, or SAT® in-school administration and provided their mobile number, they can access their scores in BigFuture School Mobile App.
As always, students who are 13 and older and have a personal College Board account (including students who took the PSATTM 8/9) can also access this same information online to view questions associated to each skill in their score report.
When will my child's test scores be available?
Scores for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests are generally available two to three weeks after the test administration date.
Scores for the PSAT/NMSQT, which students take in October, should be available in December. See when scores will be released in your state.
Students will receive an email at the address associated with their College Board account when their scores are available.
If my child opts in to Student Search Service, will colleges get their PSAT/NMSQT scores?
No, colleges won't receive your child’s actual test scores. By opting in to Student Search Service, your child is allowing us to share the information they provide on the student data questionnaire and on our website, BigFuture, with colleges and universities. They use these data to send your child information about their institution. Please note that we never share the following:
- Disability status
- Self-reported parental income
- Social Security number
- Phone numbers
- Actual test scores
Learn more about Student Search Service.
What do the PSAT/NMSQT scores mean?
For detailed information on PSAT/NMSQT scores and what they mean, visit Understanding Scores or watch our Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Scores video.