College Readiness Testing PSAT/SAT/ACT

 

 

What is the PSAT/NMSQT?

The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test / National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is designed to mirror the SAT and helps students think seriously about their college and career goals.

Key benefits of taking the exam include:

• Measuring College Readiness: Students receive a detailed score report highlighting their academic strengths and areas for improvement.

• Scholarship Opportunities: 11th-grade students who take the exam can qualify for National Merit Scholarships and other college awards.

• College Connections: Through the voluntary Student Search Service, students can opt to receive admission and financial aid information from certified colleges, universities, and scholarship agencies.

• Advanced Course Placement: The test provides valuable insight into a student's potential for advanced high school coursework.

When is the PSAT/NMSQT taken?

All 10th and 11th graders, as well as 9th graders enrolled in SAGE or advanced math coursework (OnRamps/Honors Algebra 2 or above), are automatically registered for the exam.

• Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026

• Location: Students will test on their home campus.

• Cost: Free of charge for Rockwall ISD students.

What if I am a home-schooled student?

Home-schooled students who reside within Rockwall ISD boundaries are eligible to take the PSAT at Rockwall-Heath High School for a nominal fee.

• Contact: Penny Harris, Campus Testing Coordinator at Rockwall-Heath High School.

• More Info: Full details on home-school PSAT testing options can be found at this link.

What should students bring on test day?

• A valid photo ID: Current school or government-issued.

• An approved calculator (optional): The Digital PSAT includes a built-in Desmos graphing calculator. However, students may bring their own approved four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator (calculators cannot be shared). College Board approved calculators list can be found at this link.

• Email address: (Optional)

More information on the PSAT/NMSQT can be found at this link.

 

SAT & SAT School Day FAQ

What is the SAT? The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is a standardized exam that allows students to demonstrate their readiness for college-level academic work.

• See this link to learn more about the Digital SAT format and organization.

What is the SAT School Day? The Digital SAT School Day allows students to take the exam during the regular school day on their own campus.

• Who: All Rockwall ISD 11th-grade students (registration is automatic).

• When: Wednesday, March 10, 2027.

• Cost: Free of charge.

Can home-schooled students take the exam? Yes. Home-schooled students residing within Rockwall ISD boundaries have two options:

1. School Day Testing: Take the test at Rockwall-Heath High School on March 10, 2027, for a nominal fee. To register, please contact Penny Harris, the campus testing coordinator.

2. Saturday Testing: Register independently to take the SAT on a National Saturday Testing Day at this link. The cost is $68.

 

 

What is the ACT?

The ACT (American College Test) is a standardized exam used for college admissions. While similar to the SAT, it focuses directly on measuring a student's mastery of the high school curriculum.

The core exam includes English, Math, and Reading, with an optional Science section.

• ACT Cost: The cost is $70.

Is the ACT paper-based or digital?

Students can choose to take the ACT in either a traditional paper format or a digital format.

• The Format: Unlike the Digital SAT, the Digital ACT is not adaptive; the questions are exactly the same as the paper version, just taken on a computer.

• Test Length: The ACT features a streamlined format that is significantly shorter than in previous years, lasting just over 2 hours for the core sections.

What is ACT Superscoring?

If a student takes the ACT more than once, they can use ACT Superscoring.

• How it works: The ACT automatically takes the highest individual section scores from different test dates and averages them together to create a new, higher overall composite score.

• The Benefit: This allows students to show colleges their absolute best performance in each subject without worrying about a lower score on a single test day. Most colleges and universities now accept superscores.

  For more information on how to register to take the ACT, please visit this link.