PSAT/SAT/ACT
Welcome to the San Mateo Union High School District's information page for school-administered PSAT and SAT exams. Please note this process is separate from registering for national Saturday test dates directly through the College Board.
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October 17, 2026 Testing -- all registrations have been finalized
- PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) - Eligible: Grade 11 students
- SAT - Eligible: Grade 12 students
March 13, 2027 Testing
- Registration portal opens on November 1, 2026
- PSAT 10 - Eligible: Grade 10 students
- SAT - Eligible: Grade 11 students
Requesting Accommodations
Students requiring testing accommodations (e.g., extended time) must have these approved by the College Board before the test date. If you already have testing accommodations, you do not need to submit another request. You only need to apply for accommodations one time. Previously approved accommodations will automatically be applied to all future tests through College Board. Please ensure approvals are in place well before the registration deadline by requesting an accomodation if this is your first time. You can check on the status of your request by going to https://ssdstudents.collegeboard.org/verify-email-dob
Payment for the SAT exam
- The fee for the school-administered SAT for students is $100. Payment is made via a unique Stripe link provided during the online registration process (apps.smuhsd.org/my-psat-sat/registration). Each link is valid for one student only.
- Do not send payment to the College Board for this school-administered test.
Fee Waivers & Assistance
- Waivers are automatic for students who have been identified as Socially or Economically Disadvantaged (SED). This includes all students in the Free & Reduced Lunch (FRL) program. Not in FRL, but need help? Apply via EZMealApp. If you are approved, the waiver will take effect within a few days.
Refunds
- To cancel your registration and request a refund, you must do so through the registration portal (apps.smuhsd.org/my-psat-sat/registration) by September 18, 2026 at 8am. Refunds cannot be processed after this date.
General College Entrance Exam Resources
- College Board: For general information about the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, SAT, test preparation (including Khan Academy links), and score reporting: www.collegeboard.org
- SMUHSD Counseling: Contact your school counselor for guidance on college planning and test preparation strategies. College and Career Planning
Questions?
- Contact assessment@smuhsd.org. Please include student ID#, school site and full name in your inquires.
- Students can view their assigned start time and testing classroom in the registration portal by signing in with their SMUHSD.org student account credentials.
- We do not have a waitlist or makeups for the October SAT exam. Requests for changes cannot be accommodated. All registrations have been finalized.
Recognition and Scholarship
Big Future: This program from the College Board recognizes students who score in the top 10% of all students and identify as one of the following groups:
- First-generation
- Black or African American
- Hispanic or Latino
- Indigenous or Native
- Attend school in a rural area or small town
Learn more about Big Future National Recognition Programs.
National Merit Scholarship: The national merit scholarship corporation offers scholarships to students who meet specific criteria, first and foremost is completion of the PSAT/NMSQT test which is administered to high school students in the Fall.
Learn more about the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Taking the Test(s) as a Requirement For College Admissions
- California Public colleges and universities do not require these tests for admission
- Many private universities, e.g. Stanford, do
- If you are considering applying to a college or university that requires the SAT, then you should sign up for the exam
Other Benefits
Kahn Academy: Students can link their PSAT scores to Kahn Academy to generate customized learning pathways specific to their needs.