SAT/ACT/PSAT
- 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.
SMUHSD PSAT & SAT Information
Welcome to the San Mateo Union High School District's information page for school-administered PSAT and SAT exams. These tests are important tools for college readiness and potential scholarship opportunities. This page provides details on test dates, eligibility, registration, and payment for exams administered by SMUHSD. Please note that this process is separate from registering for national Saturday test dates directly through the College Board.
Upcoming Test Dates & Eligibility: 2026-2027 School Year
October 17, 2026 Testing
- Test: PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)
- Eligible: Grade 11 students. This test is used for the National Merit Scholarship qualification.
- Test: SAT
- Eligible: Grade 12 students.
March 13, 2027 Testing
- Test: PSAT 10
- Eligible: Grade 10 students.
- Test: SAT
- Eligible: Grade 11 students.
Register for the October 17, 2026, Tests (PSAT/NMSQT & SAT)
Registration for the October 2026 PSAT/NMSQT (Grade 11) and SAT (Grade 12) administered by SMUHSD is handled via personalized email invitations sent to all relevant SMUHSD students..
Registration Timeline
- April - September 2026: Email invitations sent monthly to eligible students' school email addresses.
- September 18, 2026: Deadline to register or to cancel an existing registration for a full refund (SAT).
How to Register
- Check Email: Look for an email from assessment@smuhsd.org with the subject line containing the word "Invitation". Check spam/junk folders if you don't see it. Invitations are sent near the end of each month from April through August.
- Click Your Link: The email will contain a unique link to the SMUHSD registration portal.
- Complete Registration: Follow the instructions on the registration website: apps.smuhsd.org/my-psat-sat/registration
Check Your Registration Status
You can view or confirm your registration status at any time by visiting the registration portal: apps.smuhsd.org/my-psat-sat/registration. Please note: Your registration for this school-day test will not appear on the College Board website.
Need Help with Registration?
- Missing Invitation: If you believe you are eligible but haven't received an invitation by early September, please email assessment@smuhsd.org.
- Other Questions: For any registration issues or questions, contact assessment@smuhsd.org.
Requesting Accommodations
Students requiring testing accommodations (e.g., extended time) must have these approved by the College Board before the test date. Applications are made directly through the College Board. Please ensure approvals are in place well before the registration deadline.
Payment for the October 17, 2026 SAT (Grade 12)
(The cost of PSAT/NMSQT for Grade 11 is covered by SMUHSD)
Test Fee
- The fee for the school-administered SAT for Grade 12 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
- The SAT fee is automatically waived for students participating in the Free and Reduced Lunch (FRL) program and potentially other qualifying programs. This will be reflected during the registration process.
- If your family needs financial assistance but does not automatically qualify for a waiver, you can apply here: [Link to EZMealApp]. Once approved, please forward the confirmation or notify assessment@smuhsd.org so the fee can be manually waived in the registration system.
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 the September 18, 2026 deadline. Refunds cannot be processed after this date.
Payment Questions?
- For any questions regarding payment, fees, or waivers, please contact assessment@smuhsd.org.
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
Testing: Scholastic Assessment Test / American College Test / Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test
Scholastic Assessment Test / American College Test / Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test
- NY Times Scholastic Assessment Test versus American College Test
- College Entrance Exams
- Scholastic Assessment Test / American College Test / Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test Exam Dates
- The Benefit of Scholastic Assessment Test Prep Classes
Scholastic Assessment Test vs. American College Test:
- Scholastic Assessment Test Subject Test - University of California Policy
- The Difference Between the Scholastic Assessment Test and American College Test
Scholastic Assessment Test & American College Test Preparation
Exam Registration:
Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test - Additional Information
View the Burlingame High School Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test Night presentation
