The College Board hosted a webinar to share information with parents about how to help 8th, 9th, and 10th graders plan for college. The webinar was hosted by Lacey Bonner at the College Board. Learn more at collegeboard.org/parents.

1. High School and College
Planning for Younger
Students
Lacey Bonner, Director, Counselor Community Engagement, the College
Board
Lisa Street, 2019 Delaware High School Counselor of the Year, AP
Coordinator, Brandywine School District

2. • Taking the PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, and PSAT/NMSQT
• PSAT scores
• Tools and resources
• Researching colleges
• AP course selection
• Q&A
2
What We’ll Cover

3. 3
PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, and PSAT/NMSQT
What is the PSAT?
Reading Test
Writing and Language Test
Math Test
These tests will help students figure
out what they need to work on most
so that they are ready for college
when they graduate from high school.
The PSAT tests the same skills and knowledge as the SAT—in
a way that makes sense for each grade level.

4. • The PSAT 8/9 is given to 8th or 9th graders September 23-March 27 or April 14-
30 of this upcoming school year.
• The PSAT 10 is given to 10th graders February 24-March 27 or April 14-30 of
this upcoming school year.
• The PSAT/NMSQT is given to 10th or 11th graders on October 16, 19, or 30 of
this upcoming school year.
4
Schools choose to offer the PSAT 8/9,
PSAT 10, or PSAT/NMSQT to their
students.
Talk to your school counselor about
which tests are offered at your school.
Taking the PSAT Tests

5. Congratulate your student on what they’ve done well!
Get recommendations for AP courses that are a great match for them.
Start preparing for college on BigFuture.
Use CareerFinder—a free tool from the College Board and Roadtrip Nation—to
explore majors and careers that connect to their interests and passions.
Unlock free SAT study plans on Khan Academy based on what your child
missed on the PSAT 10 or PSAT/NMSQT.
The PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test for entry to the National Merit
Scholarship Program.
The PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT10 can connect your child to our scholarship
partners who offer more than $300M annually.
5
Benefits of the PSAT Tests

6. 6
Tools and Resources:
Action Plans
• Find action plans at:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/make-a-
plan
• Print out these checklists and keep track of key things to
accomplish each school year to prepare for college.
• Explore topics in more detail on Big Future like your high
school counselor’s role, the benefits of extracurriculars,
and financial aid 101.

7. 7
Tools and Resources:
College Search
• https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search
• Use our interactive tool to explore college options
with your child.
• Search by type, size, location, majors, cost, and
more.
• Create a College Board account to save your child’s
college list. Update it throughout high school.

8. 8
Tools and Resources:
Financial Aid 101
• https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-
college/financial-aid
• Many families pay for college through a combination
of savings, income, scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Be sure to check out the net price calculator to
better understand how much college might cost your
family

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Tools and Resources:
Parent Website
Collegeboard.org/parents
- Learn about each phase of
college planning and College
Board topics like AP and SAT
- Calendar with key dates and
deadlines
- Answers to frequently asked
questions

10. • What grade should your child be in when you start talking to them about
college?
• There are thousands of colleges out there, how can parents help their
child start looking at colleges and narrowing it down?
• How many colleges should be a college list?
• Do colleges care about the courses my child takes in 9th/10th grade?
• Do colleges look at test scores for 9th/10th graders?
10
Researching Colleges

11. • What is Advanced Placement (AP)?
• How do you know if your child is ready for AP?
• How many AP courses do you recommend students take in
9th/10th/11th/12th grade?
• How does AP help students with college admission?
11
AP Courses

12. Please submit your questions in the Q&A
module on the bottom right-hand corner of
your screen.
12
Q&A

13. • More Information for Parents
collegeboard.org/parents
• College Search
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search
• Financial Aid 101
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid
• PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, PSAT/NMSQT
https://psat.org
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More Resources

14. Thank
you.