SAT and PSAT Pre-Survey Opt-Out Policy
Decide whether your student will complete pre-survey questions
Pre-Survey
Before taking the PSAT/NMSQT or SAT School Day assessment, students see a voluntary pre-survey that asks questions about a variety of topics. Student participation in this pre-survey is not required to take the exam.
- Digital PSAT/NMSQT - Pre-survey questions are part of the PSAT digital readiness check completed prior to test day.
- SAT School Day - Pre-survey questions are included with testing instructions on test day.
Pre-survey questions are designed by the College Board to help connect students with colleges and additional scholarship opportunities. Through Student Search Service, answers to these questions may be shared with nonprofit educational organizations. The College Board strongly recommends that students answer all pre-survey questions, because the answers:
- Guide school counselors and college admission officers in helping you plan your future.
- Help College Board ensure that exams are fair and accurate for all students.
- In the case of the SAT pre-survey, provide information to colleges and universities to create a picture of the academic preparation, extra- and cocurricular involvement.
Privacy Policies
The College Board may send responses to some questions to the student's middle or high school, school division, and the state. Institutions that receive a student's SAT or PSAT information are required to keep it confidential and to follow College Board guidelines for using information. More details on privacy policies may be found in the College Board Privacy Center.
Right to Opt Out
Parents and guardians may opt out of having their students complete the pre-survey portion of the test. When choosing to opt out, it is important to communicate this decision to the student so he or she knows not to answer pre-survey questions.
Opt-Out Process
Parents and guardians who choose to opt-out from pre-survey participation for their students should email the school's assessment coach or identified SAT/PSAT School Day Coordinator. The email must include the student's full legal name and FCPS student ID number.
Opt-out communication must be received on the following timeline:
- By Friday, October 6, 2023, for SAT School Day (grade 12)
- By Friday, September 22, 2023, for PSAT/NMSQT School Day (grades 10-11)
Previewing Questions
Parents and guardians may preview pre-survey question content and instructions to aid in their decision on whether to opt out.