Testing, Test Prep & Accommodations

The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), most widely known as "PSAT," will be available for interested juniors and sophomores at Parkway Central High School on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.  This exam is optional and not used for college admissions, so only students interested in taking the test should pursue this opportunity.

Important dates:

August 22nd– PSAT registration opens (in Parent Portal of Infinite Campus)
August 29th – IEP/504 accommodation consent form sent to Mrs. Prange via email by 8 am
September 19th – Test registration deadline (@ noon)
October TBD- Attend a mandatory "Digital Readiness Check" in the PCH Library during Ac Lab
October 22nd – Test date @ PCH (Details shared closer to test date with those who register)

Should you register?

We are often asked about how many students at PCH take the PSAT.  Typically around 150 students register for the exam.  Here are some things to think about as you decide:

• Our district offers the ACT to all students, but if your student thinks they might also choose to take the SAT on their own, the PSAT would serve as a practice test for SAT.  Note: students may also take a free practice SAT at home (see preparation resources below).
• Students are typically most successful on this test if they have already completed a full year of both Algebra and Geometry. 
• For juniors only, the PSAT serves as the qualifying test to become a National Merit Semifinalist/Finalist.  To earn this recognition, students must score in the top 1% of test takers.

If you decide to NOT TAKE the PSAT, is that OK?

If you are not interested in pursuing the National Merit competition or Missouri Scholars Academy, you probably don't need to pay to take the PSAT.  Students may still use the free resources available to take full-length exams and see how they might do on an SAT without taking an official PSAT.
 

If you decide to TAKE the PSAT, how do you REGISTER?

Registration opens on Friday, August 22nd. Interested junior and sophomore students must be registered through the Infinite Campus PARENT portal by noon on Friday, September 19, 2025.  The test fee is $20.00 and will be added to the parent portal in Infinite Campus once registration is processed.  To register, parents need to sign into their Infinite Campus Parent Portal, select "More" then "Online Payments."  If you are accessing on a phone, you will likely need to turn your device horizontally to see the entire screen. Select your student's name (if you have more than one student in Parkway) - tab at the top. You will then see a button for "Optional PSAT Registration" near the bottom of the page. Click on "Optional PSAT Registration" then complete the form. Once you submit the form, the $20 fee for the exam will be added to your students' account. You may pay online, or in the school store (cash, check or card - note, a 2.5% service fee will be added for credit/debit card payments in the store).
 

If I have an IEP/504 Plan with testing accommodations, can I get those on the PSAT?

Possibly, but this process is not automatic. You must request accommodations by emailing Mrs. Prange this consent form to release a copy of the current IEP/504 to the College Board. The deadline is Friday, August 29, 2025 at 8 am.  The College Board then determines what, if any, accommodations are granted.  **If your student has already taken a PSAT, SAT or AP exam with approved accommodations, those will remain in place for this exam, as well.

If I decide to test, how can I PREPARE?

Free test preparation is also available through College Board at "Preparing for the PSAT/NMSQT".  The 2025 PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide contains a description of the test, sample questions, and other useful information regarding the National Merit Scholarship competition for juniors.  A detailed description of the test and sample questions may be found online at What's on the PSAT/NMSQT.   If you have any questions or concerns regarding the PSAT/NMSQT, please feel free to contact me.

ON TEST DATE

What to bring:

• Your fully charged device. You must have the app installed and exam setup complete before test day if you're testing with a personal device.
• A power cord and/or a portable charger. We cannot guarantee you’ll have access to an outlet during testing. Your device should be able to hold a charge for 3–4 hours.
• A pencil or pen.
• Scratch paper will be provided—do not bring your own.
• An approved calculator. There’s a graphing calculator built into the app, but you can bring your own if you like.
• An external mouse if you use one.
• A drink or snacks (for your break).

What NOT to bring:

Book bags, purses, cell phones, smartwatches/fitness bands are not permitted in the testing rooms.  The College Board also requires you to remove hats and any shirt/sweatshirt hoods during testing.

Students may register to take the ACT and/or SAT multiple times each year.  Most colleges/universities allow students to select which scores they would like to share during the admissions process.  Please consult individual school websites for admission and application requirements and plan a testing schedule accordingly.

ACT
Other than the free ACT that is given to all students in spring of junior year, students must register for the ACT on their own.  Registration for all national test dates is completed at the ACT website.  We recommend that students have exposure to Algebra 2 prior to testing, to have the best opportunity for success on the math portion of the ACT.  If you typically receive testing accommodations, please refer to the Requesting Testing Accommodations site for more information.

SAT

To register for the SAT or SAT Subject tests, students would go to the College Board website.  The SAT assessment suite has been redesigned, so it is important for students to review those changes on the College Board website prior to taking the exam.  Parkway Central does not host any SAT test dates.  If you typically receive testing accommodations, please refer to the Requesting Testing Accommodations site for more information.

FREE ACT FOR JUNIORS (Class of 2027)
MARCH 10, 2026

The Parkway School District is providing all 11^th graders the opportunity to take the ACT at school on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at no cost. Please review the answers below to frequently asked questions and see Mrs. Prange in Counseling if you have additional questions or concerns.
 

Test Date and Location 

When is the test, and where will it be held?
The test is on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at PCH. Students will report directly to their testing room at 7:35 am. School will dismiss at 11:35 am after standard time testing has concluded.  Room assignments will be shared with students via email the week prior.  Students testing with extended time and/or over multiple days will receive separate communication from Mrs. Prange regarding their testing schedule.  Many will test beyond the 11:35 am dismissal, so another bus will be available around 1:45 pm.

If I miss the March 10th test date, is there a make-up opportunity?
There is not a makeup test date for the District ACT.  If you already have a planned absence on March 10th and know you will miss the test, please let Mrs. Prange know as soon as possible.

About the ACT

• Information for Examinees

What is on the ACT?
The ACT is made up of four curriculum-based multiple-choice tests (English, mathematics, reading, science). The composition of the test is:

• English Test – 75 items, 45 minutes
• Mathematics Test – 60 items, 60 minutes
• 10-minute testing break to use the restroom and have a snack (if needed)
• Reading Test – 40 items, 35 minutes
• Science Test – 40 items, 35 minutes
  **Please note –the District ACT will be paper/scantron and will NOT include the optional Writing section

Is this a “real” ACT?
Yes. Your score will be reportable to all colleges and universities.

Registration

Do I need to do anything to sign up for the test?
All juniors enrolled at Parkway Central are automatically registered to take the test unless marked exempt by a parent or by SSD or ELL staff. Students will receive instructions from the district in February on how to create an ACT web account (or connect to an existing account), enter their unique 9-digit student code, and complete non-test information online before test day.  This 8-minute video walks you through the entire process. Non-test information includes: a) demographic information; b) high school coursework; c) college plans; and d) score recipients (sending your scores to up to 4 colleges for free). Note: not all non-test information questions are required (feel free to skip everything that doesn't have a red asterisk!). Time will be set aside during Ac Lab to complete the registration. Registration must be completed by Monday, March 2.

Am I required to take the free District ACT?
The district encourages all students to take the ACT at least one time.  If taking the ACT does not align with your post-secondary goals, or you have already tested and are satisfied with your score, a parent may email Mrs. Prange to allow you to opt out of the testing.  The parent would also need to contact the grade level office to excuse the student's absence from the day, as well, since only testing will be occurring during this modified day.

What if I have an IEP or 504 Plan that gives me accommodation for testing?
ACT provides test accommodations in accordance with Title III of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). Schools provide accommodations under different regulations. Thus, having a diagnosis and receiving accommodations in school does not guarantee ACT approval of those accommodations. After receiving permission from a parent/guardian, requests for ACT-approved test accommodations for students with diagnosed disabilities who are receiving special education services described in a current IEP or 504 Plan were completed and submitted by the school by the deadline.  You will receive a notification regarding the results of the requested accommodations.  For those students who are approved to test with extended time or multiple-day testing, you will receive separate communication regarding your specific testing schedule and room assignments.

Test Day

What do I need to bring with me to the test?
Bring photo ID (school or state-issued), #2 pencils with erasers, and a permitted calculator. You may use any four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator unless it has features described in the Prohibited Calculators list. Using the TI-89, TI-92 and TI-Nspire CAS are the most common reasons students are dismissed from the ACT for prohibited calculator use. Please review ACT calculator policies here before test day. Students testing with accommodations should refer to their email for any additional instructions on things they need to bring.

What is not allowed?
Eating, drinking, and the use of reading materials are not permitted in the test room (unless approved for medical reasons). There is a 10-minute break between tests 2 & 3 where you may have a snack and/or drink if you would like to bring one.  You may not have a cell phone, smartwatch/fitness band, media player, or electronic device of any kind in the test room (other than a permitted calculator) and you may not access or use them during scheduled breaks.

If I finish early, may I work on other things?
No. You may not read or engage in any other activity that could distract others from testing. If you finish before the time is called, recheck your work on that test.  

Study Resources

What are some study resources available to help me prepare for the ACT?
Check out the Test Prep Resources section of this page (4 sections below) to find both free and fee-based resources to help you prepare for testing.

Results

When will my results be available?
Students will have the ability to access their scores through their ACT web account (created before the test date) and will receive an email when scores are posted. ACT reports that the test scores will be available approximately 3-8 weeks after answer documents are received.

The purpose of a PreACT or Practice ACT is for students to:

• experience what taking the ACT is like, including the format, timing, and test environment students will encounter on the official exam
• practice using test-taking strategies that help students most accurately show what they know and are able to do
• understand test taking procedures, ranging from learning the test format and how to pace themselves, to ensuring they know logistics like what to bring and not bring on test day
• learn what areas on the ACT they are on track to do well in, and which areas they may need to focus on between now and when they take the official exam

Parkway's ACT Day will be Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Practice ACT - Grade 9 - Freshmen will take a modified ACT with questions focusing specifically on grade-level appropriate content. Registration is not needed for this test. The assessment will be significantly shorter than an official ACT. Students will then participate in a classroom activity following testing. Students will be testing in a room with their Academic Lab teacher and peers.  The specific room assignment/location was shared with students via email on March 6.  All students will report to their testing rooms at 7:35 am.  Be sure to bring a pencil, calculator, and fully-charged Chromebook. Students will enter their answers into an online form and will receive results within 1-2 days in their Parkway email.  After the exam, freshmen will have a classroom activity which will conclude by 11:35 am and students will be dismissed for the day.  Bus transportation will be provided at 11:35 am, if needed.  Results will be sent to students via email 1-2 days after testing. Please reach out to Mrs. Prange if you have any questions.  

PreACT - Grade 10 - The PreACT is a practice test designed to expose sophomores to the structure, pace, and content of the ACT test. The PreACT provides a predicted ACT score and offers insight into a student’s academic and career-planning needs.  Registration is not needed for this test. Students will be testing with their Academic Lab teacher and peers.  The specific room assignment/location was shared with students via email on March 6.  All students will report to their testing rooms at 7:35 am and will need to bring a pencil and calculator. Testing will conclude by 11:35 am and students will be dismissed for the day.  Bus transportation will be provided at 11:35 am, if needed. Score reports (with answer key) and test booklets will be returned to students during Academic Lab after 2-3 weeks. Please reach out to Mrs. Prange if you have any questions.

Please note: since the 9th and 10th grade opportunities are experiential only, the district does not provide testing accommodations.  Parents will be required to provide written consent to release diagnostic and IEP/504 Plan information to ACT in order to apply for testing accommodations for the official ACT taken in 11th grade.

AP EXAM REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS (here)

The AP Program offers college-level courses that you can take in high school and the opportunity to earn college credit. AP classes at Central High prepare students to take the AP exam at the end of the school year. Students can register to take the AP exam for any AP course they are taking, but they are not required - AP Exams are optional. Students opt to take AP exams because if they earn a qualifying score, students can earn college credit or placement. Learn more about college credit or placement here: AP Credit Policy Search 

AP exams are always given the first 2 full weeks in May, at PCH.

2026 AP Exam Schedule: 2026 AP Exam Dates

Registration for AP Exams is done through students' College Board "MyAP" Account - Sign In to My AP Student Account
     *Students must create a College Board account first, and then are able to join AP class sections & register for AP exams

How to input a join code into your AP Student account: AP Student Account Tutorial  

To register to take an AP exam, you must

1) Join the AP Classroom for that AP course (enter join code from your AP teacher) 

2) REGISTER FOR THE EXAM - Automatic registration for the AP Exam when you join the AP Classroom. If you do not want to take the AP exam, contact Mrs. Greenwood in Counseling to change your AP exam decision from "Yes" to "No"

3) Pay for your AP Exam(s) through the Online Payment system in Infinite Campus, or in the school store

If you have approved testing accommodations at PCH through an IEP or 504 and want to apply for accommodations for AP exams, a parent must email Mrs. Greenwood or Mrs. Prange to give permission to release your diagnostic and current accommodations plan to College Board by December 1.

Exam Fees and Payment:

• Each AP exam is $100.
• Payment is due by March 1st, 2026
• Payment is made ONLINE through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal or in the school store. 
  • Fees for any AP exam(s) will be added to Infinite Campus after the registration deadline (November 7th)
• If your family qualifies for Free/Reduced lunch (apply here) and you plan on registering for any AP Exams, please contact Mrs. Greenwood at pgreenwood@parkwayschools.net to discuss College Board fee reductions
• Late AP exam registrations are possible with a $40 late registration fee.

Learn more about the AP Program

Most accommodation requests need to be submitted 1-2 months prior to a test date.  Final approval is made by the testing agency, and typically requires students to have a formal IEP or 504 Plan which reflects the testing accommodations being requested.  ACT often does not approve accommodations for recent diagnoses. Please refer to the document below for details.

**FREE**

• • Free Practice Tests, Guides and Video Resources
  • UMSL Bridge Program (free)
  • PCH Library - LearningExpress (click on "Prepare for College")
  • Varsity Tutors - one free trial class
  • Khan Academy SAT Prep
  • Kaplan PSAT Prep
  • Sample Tests and Prep Books (Available in Counseling)
  • Parkway Summer College & ACT Prep Course (handout; registration link)

**FEE-BASED**

• • Parkway tutoring and test prep resources

Many colleges now consider ACT or SAT scores as an optional component of the college admissions review.  It is always best to check each individual college website for their most up-to-date policy information, but there are also a few online resources to help.

• FairTest.org
• Compass & Compass Guide to College Admissions Testing