PSAT and Pre-ACT Information

Portola High School hosts Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Testing (PSAT) and Pre-Admission Content Testing (PreACT). These tests are important steps for students to take toward college and career readiness. For these tests, laptops are used along with specific apps. In order to best support everyone, there are certain times and locations that learners are directed to be on campus, and even procedures that should be done before testing times. Please see below for specifics surrounding the 2025 tests at PHS.
 

When

The PSAT and PreACT testing will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025. You may refer to the master school calendar for this. It will be a Minimum Day schedule, which is an 8:30 start. It's recommended for learners to be early, though, so there is plenty of time to find testing rooms and handle any last-minute tech needs that may arise. Which test you, or your learner, takes is determined by which grade they are in.
 

Who

9th Grade: PSAT 8/9. For Additional Information on the PSAT 8/9 click HERE
10th Grade: PreACT. For Additional Information on the PreACT click HERE
11th Grade: PSAT/NMSQT. For Additional Information on the PSAT/NMSQT click HERE
 

Where

The default location for each learner to take the test is in their advisement room. However, some classrooms need to be shifted. If your learner is in a classroom that has been shifted, then there will be a note on the door.


What

Learners should bring their student ID

A pencil and/or pen

Approved calculator for PreACT

Calculator policy for PSAT/NMSQT
 

TECHNOLOGY DETAILS

The PSAT uses an app called Bluebook™. This app can be used on any device.

The PreACT uses an app that only runs from school-issued Chromebooks.

School-issued Chromebooks may be checked out from the Learning Commons, and learners are encouraged to keep the devices their entire stay at Portola.

IMPORTANT: Please make sure that whatever device you will be using is charged and updated. Please see HERE for a tutorial about how to make sure that a school Chromebook is updated.

 

If your child has opted out of the test and is at school, they will sit in the Learning Commons until 12:40pm. Students will not be dismissed prior to 12:40pm, even if they finish the exam early.
 
Nutrition services are aware of our special schedule and will have snack available for learners when they finish their test.