PSAT 10 Pre-Survey Questions

Know what questions are asked in the pre-survey

Parents and guardians are invited to preview pre-survey question content and instructions to aid in their decision on whether to opt out. When choosing to opt out, it is important to communicate this decision to the student so he or she knows not to answer the pre-survey questions shown below.

Pre-Survey Questions and Instructions 

For the PSAT 10, questions 14-22 represent the optional pre-survey. Text in italics below represents instructions and question language.  

Question 14: Mobile Number

This field is optional. If provided, you agree to receive text messages from College Board about test programs for which you are registered, about participating in research surveys, and/or about receiving free college planning services.

Question 15: Student Search Service

Student Search Service is a free, voluntary program that connects students with information about educational and financial aid opportunities from eligible colleges, universities, scholarships, and other educational programs. These organizations pay to participate in the service, but it’s free to you. When you opt in to Student Search Service, the information that you have provided on your answer sheet and score ranges from your College Board exams may be shared with colleges, universities, and scholarships that are interested in students like you. Also, if you opt in, your email address will be included in your College Board student record. College Board does not share your telephone number or actual test score as part of this service. If you choose to opt in to Student Search Service, please mark “Yes” on your answer sheet. By marking “Yes,” you understand that your responses on the answer sheet to Questions 16, 18, 19, and 22 will be kept by College Board and may be shared with eligible colleges, universities, scholarships, and other educational programs that participate in Student Search Service. Also, if you prepare a college list on BigFuture™, we may share that list, or part of the list. Would you like us to supply your information for these purposes? Fill in “Yes” if you wish to share your information through Student Search Service. Otherwise, fill in “No.” If you leave Question 15 blank and have previously opted to participate in Student Search Service, we will continue providing your information until you opt out. 

  • Yes         
  • No

Question 16: Racial/Ethnic Group

If you have a personalized label on your answer sheet that includes this information, please review and confirm that the information is correct. If you believe there is an error, you can update your answer sheet with the correct information. Answer both questions about Hispanic origin and about race. For these questions, Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origins are separate from race.

A. Are you of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin? (You may mark all that apply.)

  • No, not of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin
  • Yes, Cuban
  • Yes, Mexican
  • Yes, Puerto Rican
  • Yes, another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin

B. What is your race? (You may mark all that apply.)

  • American Indian or Alaska Native
  • Asian (including Indian subcontinent and Philippines origin)
  • Black or African American (including African and Afro-Caribbean origin)
  • Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
  • White (including Middle Eastern origin)

Question 17: Language Background

Answer both questions about your language background. 

A. What language did you learn to speak first? (Mark only one.)

  • English only
  • English and another language
  • Another language

B. What language do you know best? (Mark only one.)

  • English only
  • English and another language
  • Another language

Question 18: Grade Point Average

Indicate your cumulative grade point average for all academic subjects in high school. If you don't know your exact grade point average, give your best estimate.  

  • A+ (97-100)
  • A (93-96)
  • A- (90-92)
  • B+ (87-89)
  • B (83-86)
  • B- (80-82)
  • C+ (77-79)
  • C (73-76)
  • C- (70-72)
  • D+ (67-69)
  • D (65-66)
  • E or F (below 65)

Question 19: Parents'/Guardians' Level of Education

Indicate the highest level of education of your parent/guardian. If you have two parents/guardians, indicate the level of education for your other parent/guardian in the bubbles that correspond with "B."

A. Parent/Guardian 1

  • Grade school
  • Some high school
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Vocational or trade school
  • Some college
  • Associate or two-year degree
  • Bachelor's of four-year degree
  • Some graduate or professional school
  • Graduate or professional degree

B. Parent/Guardian 2

  • Grade school
  • Some high school
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Vocational or trade school
  • Some college
  • Associate or two-year degree
  • Bachelor's of four-year degree
  • Some graduate or professional school
  • Graduate or professional degree

Question 20: Military Relation

Please indicate if you have a parent or guardian in the military. Mark all that apply.   

  • I have a parent/guardian who is on active duty in the U.S. military.
  • I have a parent/guardian who is in the National Guard or the Reserves.
  • I have a parent/guardian who was in the U.S. military but is not serving now. 
  • Neither of my parents/guardians has a current military connection. 

Question 21: College Major

You don't need to know what your college major will be, just indicate a major or area of study that interests you. Use the College Majors by Academic Area of Study list to answer this question. Write in the code number, and fill in the appropriate bubble under each digit. If you're not sure, please fill in number 999 (Undecided). This field is optional.

Question 22: Email Address

Email address is optional. If you decide to provide an email address, fill in the bubble to indicate whether the email address is yours or a parent’s/guardian’s. If provided, the email address will be used to deliver reminders about test programs, test-preparation strategies, and score availability. If you opted in to Student Search Service, your email address will be added to your College Board student record. If you supply a parent’s or guardian’s email, it will only be used by College Board to provide updates on test programs.

The PSAT pre-survey questions and description of purpose are copyright of the College Board and are used here with permission.