PSAT/ACT/SAT

  • Many colleges and universities plan to continue suspended ACT/SAT policies due to the impact of the Covid19 pandemic.  Current exceptions include MIT, Georgetown, the Military Academies, and the public universities in Florida. That may continue to change; always check each school website to confirm requirements.  

    Over 800 colleges across the country are test-blind and test-optional. If you have high anxiety and/or don’t test well, seek out schools that don’t require the tests. You can build a college list where these tests are not a factor (see Fair Test for more info)

    The University of California (UC) and the California State University (CSU) have test-blind admission policies - yay!

    Read more information about college admissions tests: TO TEST or NOT TO TEST

     

PSAT

  • The PSAT date is still TBD this year but is expected to be administered sometime in October; this will be the digital version and the cost will be $40. **Reach out to your Counselor with questions about fee waivers.

    The PSAT is a practice version of the SAT that can be of great benefit to all students. Taking the test helps you practice test-taking strategies and build endurance for longer exams as well as preparing you for the SAT if you decide to take that exam for college admission.

    • If you are in 10th grade, taking the test helps you to identify academic strengths and weaknesses early in high school, when there is plenty of time to improve before college. It also helps you estimate how well you'll do on the PSAT next year and on the SAT in the future.  We encourage you to give it a try IF you are in Advanced Algebra or higher.
    • If you are in 11th grade, your scores may qualify you for scholarships in addition to giving you feedback about what areas you can focus on to improve for when you take the SAT. If you choose to, you can participate in the Student Search Service and have your name sent to colleges that are looking for students like you.
    • PSAT Test Day Checklist (What you need to bring?)
    • PSAT Basics (Inside the Test)
    • Free PSAT Prep (Khan Academy)
    • Details coming soon...

    **How to sign up: Visit our Webstore to pay with a credit/debit card; bring cash/check to the Budge Office in Wood Hall, room 120 during breaks, lunch, or after school.  Checks are payable to Tamalpais High School or exact amount cash (no change given). DEADLINE to sign up: Wednesday, October 12 a the end of the school day.

General Info

  • ACT vs SAT

    Spring of junior year and fall of senior year are the most common times for students to take these tests
    - Sign up for the SAT at www.collegeboard.org
    - Sign up for the ACT at www.act.org

    If you believe you may qualify for a *fee waiver* for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, or AP exam, please talk to your Counselor

Accommodations

  • If you believe you are eligible for accommodations on the PSAT, SAT, SAT Subject, or AP exam(s) and would like to apply, visit the TUHSD Testing Accommodations page for information.  Families are responsible for completing and submitting the required documentation to the College Board.

    For questions and requests related to the ACT, contact the Tam HS SSD Coordinator or Sylvia Mathews at smathews@tamdistrict.org.