SAT/ACT 2023

  • SMUHSD PSAT Administration - Fall 2023

    [Spanish coming soon.]

    SMUHSD will continue to administer the Preliminary SAT Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) to all 10th and 11th grade students who would like to take it. The District does this in order to ensure that any interested student has the opportunity to practice for the SAT which could be taken later in their high school careers.

    Since the 2020-21 school year, many colleges have gone “test blind,” which means that if a student takes the SAT (or ACT) it will not be reviewed or considered in the admissions or scholarship process. In addition, more than 1,200 U.S. colleges are “test-optional,” meaning students have the choice whether they wish to submit an SAT (or ACT) score as part of their application and would not be penalized if they do not.

    This ultimately means that many SMUHSD 10th and 11th grade students do NOT need to take the SAT (or the ACT). However, given that the assessments are still applicable for some colleges and students can potentially benefit from National Merit Scholarship recognition, the District will support students who would like to practice for them by offering a free administration of the PSAT on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at schools around the District. Registration for the exam is forthcoming via email to all relevant families on July 31, 2023.

    Before completing the registration form later this summer, we again ask you to consider the following statements from the California public universities:

    • The University of California, “UC will not consider SAT or ACT test scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships. If you choose to submit test scores as part of your application, they may be used as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or for course placement after you enroll.” 

    • The California State University System “The California State University (CSU) no longer uses ACT or SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility for all CSU campuses. If accepted to a CSU campus, ACT or SAT test scores can be used as one of the measures to place students in the proper mathematics and written communication courses.” 

    If you would like to know if a college/university to which you plan to apply is requiring the SAT for admission, you can find that information online. You can also check specific college websites or ask directly at the virtual visits conducted at each school by our College and Career Centers. If after reviewing this information and you feel that you/your student need(s) to take the PSAT, please complete the form below: Answer the YES/NO question and sign electronically by September 8, 2023 at 6 p.m.

    Finally, we know that you likely have other questions related to college admissions for your 10th/11th grade student. For example, if you are interested in taking the SAT or ACT on a Saturday, please consult these websites for information about registering for these exams:

    In addition, your school site College and Career Center staff along with your school counselor are excellent resources to assist you with navigating the process of college admissions as your student continues their journey through high school.

    School Site Career Centers:

    Aragon

    Burlingame

    Capuchino

    Hillsdale

    Mills

    San Mateo