RCS High School is excited to announce that all RCS High School juniors will participate in the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT) on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
The PSAT provides students with an important opportunity to experience a college-readiness assessment, learn more about their academic strengths, and begin preparing for the SAT they will take in the spring.
Why Take the PSAT?
The PSAT offers students several valuable opportunities as they begin looking ahead to college and their future goals. The assessment can:
Measure their skills against students across the country.
Explore college opportunities through the optional Student Search Service.
Qualify for National Merit recognition through the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Get a preview of the SAT and the digital testing experience.
Identify strengths and areas for growth in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.
Build testing confidence in a lower-stakes setting.
Use their results to prepare for the SAT in the spring.
What Students Need to Know
On Wednesday, October 14, students will report to school on their normal schedule. Juniors will begin testing shortly after attendance is taken during first period.
All RCS juniors are expected to participate in the PSAT. Because the PSAT is administered digitally, it is especially important that students arrive with a fully charged Chromebook on testing day.
Preparing for the PSAT
The PSAT is an opportunity for students to learn more about their current skills and become more comfortable with the testing process. Students have been building the academic skills measured by this assessment throughout their years of schooling, and there are also resources available for students who would like additional practice.
Students can find practice questions and information about the test format through Khan Academy and the College Board.
We encourage families to talk with their students about the opportunities the PSAT provides and to approach testing day as a chance to learn more about their strengths, identify areas for growth, and prepare for future academic opportunities.
RCS is committed to helping students build the knowledge, confidence, and skills they need for success beyond high school. We look forward to supporting our juniors as they take this next step in their college and career preparation.
Questions about the PSAT can be directed to the RCS High School Counseling Center.