Testing

Students register for the ACT at actstudent.org. When registering for the ACT, please keep in mind that it can take about 30 minutes. The first step in the registration process is creating a username and password. Make sure you write this information down for future reference. Wayzata's CEEB code is 242650. It is important that the student register for the test as there are questions that only he/she will be able to answer. It may also be helpful to have a transcript handy to answer the questions about classes taken and grades earned. If you have questions regarding registration you can contact ACT at 319-337-1270. 

Sending Your Scores

You will need to have your test scores directly from ACT/SAT as these scores are not listed on your transcript. You can request ACT scores be sent by going to actstudent.org to request official scores be sent (there will be a fee). If you have questions regarding score reports please call ACT at 319-337-1313.

Test Date	Registration Deadline	Scores Released
August 28	July 30	September 10
October 2	September 3	October 15
November 6	October 8	November 19
December 4	November 4	December 17
March 12	February 11	March 25
May 7	April 8	May 20
June 4	May 5	July 13

Sending Your Scores

You can request SAT scores be sent by going to collegeboard.org to request official scores be sent (there will be a fee). If you have questions regarding score reports please call SAT 866-756-7346. The CollegeBoard offers a feature called "Score Choice." Score Choice gives you the option to choose which scores (by test date for the SAT and by individual test for SAT Subject Tests™) you send to colleges, in accordance with an institution's stated score-use practice.

Every October, about 1.6 million juniors across the country take the PSAT/NMSQT exam.  This exam is the National Merit Scholarship Qualification Test.  

The PSAT/NMSQT will be given at Wayzata High School on Wednesday, October 13, 2021.   

Due to evolving COVID 19 mandates, Wayzata High school will be limiting its capacity for the PSAT/NMSQT exam once again this year.  Registration will open in Total Registration for juniors ONLY beginning at noon on August 27th. Please be advised that a PSAT/NMSQT score ONLY counts your junior year.  Scores from prior years will not serve as an entry into the scholarship competition.

Registration for sophomores will begin on Tuesday, September 7th and remain open for sophomores and any remaining juniors through October 8th.  If exam capacity is reached, students will be placed on a waitlist and contacted if/when space becomes available.  Freshmen and non-Wayzata students will not be able to register or take the PSAT/NMSQT exam at WHS.  

The cost of the exam is $30.  We understand that on rare occasions students must cancel an exam.  Students who cancel an exam by Monday, October 11, 2021 are entitled to a refund of the exam fee minus a cancellation fee of $5 (per exam cancelled).  After Monday, October 11, 2021, no refunds will be approved.

 

Commonly Asked Questions About the PSAT/NMSQT

Is the PSAT/NMSQT a practice exam for the SAT?
No.  The PSAT/NMSQT is not a practice SAT exam for juniors.  This exam is the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program.  The basic entry requirements for National Merit Semifinalists include:

• Being enrolled as a high school junior and making progress towards graduation.
• Attending high school in the U.S. or meeting citizenship requirements for students attending high school outside the U.S.
• Having plans to enroll in a full-time college starting the fall following high school graduation. In other words, you can’t postpone college to spend a year abroad, work full-time, and so on.
• Earning a PSAT score in the top 1% of test takers.

What is the cut score to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program?
The cut score varies each year, however, the top 1% (usually about 16,000 students nationally) are identified as National Merit Semifinalists. Semifinalists may go on to apply for Finalist status and potentially win scholarship money.  In recent years, the cut score for the state of MN has been between 218 and 220.  The top 3-4% of scores are named Commended Scholars. They are not able to move forward in the scholarship competition. 

Do I have to take the SAT if I am identified as a Semi-Finalist?
Yes, if you want to move on in the competition.

How should I prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT exam? 
The College Board offers several tips as well as some practice exams on their website.  You can access this information here.

Please contact Amy Swenson at Amy.Swenson@wayzataschools.org if you have questions. If you require financial assistance please contact your counselor, dean or principal. 

AP enables students to pursue college-level studies while still in high school. Through 30+ college-level courses, each culminating in a rigorous exam, AP provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to earn college credit and/or advanced placement. Taking AP courses also demonstrates to college admission officers that students have sought out the most rigorous curriculum available to them.

Wayzata High School offers 32 courses. The only requirements are a strong curiosity about the subject you plan to study and the willingness to work hard. AP Exams represent the culmination of AP courses and are thus an integral part of the program.

Wayzata High School's College and Career Center maintains a library of ACT and SAT preparation books that students can check out and use for two weeks. These books will have practice tests and lessons on various items on the test.

ACT, SAT and General Test Preparation

• ACT Test Prep
• SAT Study Guide
• Practice SAT Test
• 5,000 Free Vocabulary Words
• March2Success
• Number Two
• Numerade
• Study Guide Zone
• Test Prep Preview
• Varsity Tutors Practice Tests

Test Anxiety

• Test Anxiety Tips

*Wayzata Public Schools provides a model disclaimer for their vetted list of resources: “This list is of known providers of a particular service. The providers on the list are from a variety of sources. The list is being provided as a courtesy, for information only, and the user should understand that no assurances or guarantees regarding the providers on the list are being made by providing this list. Wayzata Public Schools neither endorses, approves, nor recommends any specific provider listed above. This list is not inclusive of all community agencies, services or organizations that provide the particular service, and the omission of an agency, service or organization from this list does not imply disapproval. It is the responsibility of the user of this list to determine whether any of the content is of value to them and whether or not the agency, service or organization meets their specific needs.”

Tips for Taking a Standardized Test

1. Carefully read all instructions/directions.
2. Carefully read each question.
3. Pace yourself. Don't spend too much time on a single passage or question.
4. Use a soft lead Number 2 pencil with a good eraser; do not use a mechanical pencil, ink pen or correction fluid.
5. Answer the easy questions first, then go back and answer the more difficult ones.
6. On difficult questions, eliminate as many incorrect answers as you can, then make an educated guess among those remaining.
7. Answer every question. Your scores on the multiple-choice tests are based on the number of questions you answer correctly. There is no penalty for guessing.
8. Review your work. If you finish a test before time is up, go back and check your work.
9. Mark your answers neatly. If you erase, erase completely and cleanly without smudging.