I spent this past week in Las Vegas attending the 2026 College Board Forum, where educators, researchers, and college admissions professionals gathered to discuss the future of standardized testing, college readiness, and student success. As the SAT celebrates its 100th anniversary, College Board is introducing new tools and resources designed to help students make more informed decisions about their academic and professional futures. Whether your student is a freshman just beginning high school or a senior navigating college applications, several developments caught my attention. Here are six takeaways I believe every high school parent should know.
1. A New Science Score Is Coming to the SAT
One of the more interesting announcements was the introduction of a new Science Practices and Foundations score. You may be wondering: Does this mean the SAT is adding a science section? The answer is no. The SAT already includes questions that require students to interpret scientific information, analyze data, evaluate evidence, and apply mathematical reasoning. College Board plans to use students' performance on existing questions to provide an additional science-related score.
Here's what parents should know:
- The score will be reported on a 65–95 scale.
- Students will not have to answer additional questions or spend more time testing.
- The score will provide insight into science-related reasoning skills.
- The new science score will not be sent to colleges for admissions purposes.
Why this matters for your student: If your child is interested in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), this new score may offer additional insight into their academic strengths and areas for growth. It may also help students recognize science-related abilities they haven't previously considered.
2. SAT and PSAT Score Reports Will Help Students Explore Careers
Beginning in spring 2027, College Board plans to make SAT Suite score reports more useful for career exploration. Currently, students receive scores that describe their performance in Reading and Writing and Math. While these scores are helpful, they don't always make it easy for teenagers to understand how their skills connect to future opportunities. The new reports will include:
- Plain-language skill descriptions: Explanations of what students can do based on their performance.
- Career connections: Five high-demand, high-wage career clusters relevant to their state's workforce.
- Additional exploration tools: Resources to help students understand how their academic skills align with potential careers.
For example, a student who demonstrates strong analytical reasoning might discover connections to careers in engineering, finance, technology, or healthcare. Why this matters for your student: Many teenagers struggle to answer, "What do you want to do when you grow up?" These new reports may provide a starting point for conversations about college majors, career interests, and academic choices. For freshmen and sophomores, this information could be especially valuable when selecting high school courses and exploring extracurricular activities. And remember, these career suggestions are intended to encourage exploration, not limit students' possibilities.
3. SAT Practice Really Does Matter—and Many Excellent Resources Are Free
One of the most practical findings presented at the Forum involved the relationship between completing official SAT practice tests and earning higher scores. College Board shared results from a 2025 study comparing students who completed Bluebook practice tests with those who did not.
| Number of Practice Tests | Average SAT Score Difference |
|---|---|
| 1 practice test | +25 points |
| 2 practice tests | +45 points |
| 3 or more practice tests | +61 points |
These results show a relationship between practice and performance, not a guarantee that taking three tests will increase a student's score by 61 points. Students who practice more may also differ in motivation, preparation, or other factors. Nevertheless, the findings reinforce the importance of becoming familiar with the test and using practice results to identify areas for improvement.
Free SAT preparation resources every family should know about
Bluebook App: College Board's official testing application offers eight full-length SAT practice tests and three PSAT practice tests that simulate the actual digital exam.
My Practice: After completing a practice test, students can review their scores, review answer explanations, and complete personalized quizzes that target specific weaknesses.
Khan Academy: Free SAT preparation lessons, instructional videos, and practice questions.
Schoolhouse.world: Free virtual SAT tutoring led by trained peer tutors.
Student Question Bank: Thousands of official SAT questions that students can filter by subject, skill, and difficulty.
My advice to parents
Don't encourage your student to simply take practice test after practice test without reviewing the results. A more effective approach is to take a baseline test, identify specific weaknesses, practice those skills, and then take another test to measure progress. Preparation quality matters as much as quantity.
4. Schools Will Soon Have Better Information About Student SAT Preparation
Beginning November 30, 2026, College Board plans to make student Bluebook practice test results available through its K–12 reporting portal. This means participating schools will have access to additional information about how students are preparing, including practice test scores and performance across different content areas. Students using school-issued testing credentials will automatically share their practice information. Students practicing through personal College Board accounts can choose to share their results. The College Board also plans to give educators additional access to My Practice in spring 2027.
Why should parents care?
Imagine your student's school counselor or teacher being able to identify that your child consistently struggles with a particular math skill or reading question type. Rather than simply telling the student to "study more," educators may be able to recommend more targeted resources. This could be particularly valuable for students who need additional academic support but may not know where to begin. My advice to parents: Ask your student's school counselor how the school uses PSAT and SAT results to guide academic support and test preparation. These assessments can provide valuable information beyond a single score.
5. Your Student May Be Ready for AP Classes Even If No One Has Recommended Them
Of everything I heard at Forum, this finding surprised me most. According to College Board data, approximately 1.5 million students in the Class of 2025 demonstrated readiness for Advanced Placement (AP) coursework based on their PSAT scores, yet fewer than half actually enrolled in an AP class. Think about that. Hundreds of thousands of students may have had the academic skills to succeed in more challenging courses but never took advantage of the opportunity. Why? Possible explanations include limited course availability, scheduling conflicts, student confidence, and differences in how schools recommend students for advanced classes. College Board has developed a tool called AP Potential that uses PSAT scores to identify students whose academic performance suggests they may succeed in particular AP courses. At Forum, College Board highlighted work in Clark County, Nevada, where efforts to use PSAT data to expand AP participation were associated with a 36% increase in AP enrollment and a 62% increase in students taking AP exams.
What this means for your family
If your student is in 9th or 10th grade, don't assume that AP courses are only appropriate for students who have always been in honors classes. Ask your school counselor:
- Does our school use AP Potential to identify students for AP courses?
- What does my student's PSAT performance suggest about readiness for advanced coursework?
- Are there AP courses my student should consider for next year?
AP courses aren't the right choice for every student in every subject, and PSAT results should never be the only factor in course selection. However, students shouldn't miss opportunities simply because they haven't been encouraged to pursue them. The goal is to find the right level of academic challenge for each student.
6. SAT Scores Can Tell Colleges More Than Just Whether to Admit a Student
Much of the conversation surrounding standardized testing focuses on whether colleges require SAT or ACT scores for admission. But one session at the Forum explored another important question: Can SAT scores help predict how students will perform once they arrive at college? Research presented by College Board demonstrated that SAT scores can provide additional information about college readiness beyond high school GPA alone. For example, students with identical high school GPAs may have different levels of preparation for college-level reading, writing, and mathematics. Colleges may use SAT scores to help inform:
- Course placement, particularly in mathematics.
- Academic advising and first-year support.
- Identification of students who may benefit from additional resources.
This doesn't mean an SAT score determines whether a student will succeed in college. Motivation, study habits, access to support, and many other factors play important roles. However, standardized testing can provide another piece of information about academic readiness.
What parents should consider
Even if your student is applying to test-optional colleges, it is worth understanding how those institutions use standardized test scores. Some colleges may consider scores for purposes beyond admissions, while others may not. Families should review each college's specific policies rather than assuming test-optional means test scores have no value.
What Should Parents Do With This Information?
The biggest takeaway from my time at the College Board Forum was that PSAT and SAT results can be much more than numbers on a score report. Used thoughtfully, they can help students identify academic strengths, discover new opportunities, prepare more effectively, and make informed decisions about their futures. The best next steps depend on where your student is in high school.
A Grade-by-Grade Guide for Parents
9th Grade: Build a Strong Foundation
Freshman year is about developing academic skills, establishing effective study habits, and exploring interests. If your student takes the PSAT 8/9, review the results together. Look for academic strengths and growth opportunities rather than focusing exclusively on the total score. Begin conversations about future coursework, including honors and AP opportunities.
10th Grade: Explore Opportunities and Begin Planning
Sophomore year is an ideal time to use PSAT results more strategically. Ask whether your student's scores indicate readiness for AP courses. Consider whether the SAT or ACT may be a better fit, and begin learning about the differences between the two tests. This is also a good time to explore potential college majors and career interests without expecting your student to make final decisions.
11th Grade: Develop a Testing Strategy
Junior year is when standardized testing becomes more immediate. Students should establish a testing timeline, determine whether the SAT or ACT is the better choice, and begin structured preparation. Taking an official practice test, reviewing performance, and focusing on targeted improvement can help students approach testing more confidently. It's also important to consider how test scores fit into a balanced college list.
12th Grade: Make Informed Decisions
For seniors, the focus shifts to understanding college testing policies and making strategic decisions about score submission. Review each college's requirements carefully, including whether testing is required, optional, or considered for scholarships or other programs. Students should also understand that strong college readiness involves much more than standardized test scores.
Final Thoughts: The Goal Is Opportunity, Not Just a Score
After more than three decades working with students and families, I believe the greatest value of standardized testing lies in how we use the information. A PSAT score might reveal that a student is ready for an AP course they never considered. An SAT practice test might identify a skill that needs attention before college. A new career report might introduce a student to a field they hadn't previously explored. The goal isn't simply to earn a higher score. It's to use the information to help students recognize their strengths, address their challenges, and pursue opportunities that align with their potential. As College Board continues to expand its tools and resources, parents have more opportunities than ever to participate in these conversations. And sometimes, the most valuable thing a parent can do is ask one simple question: What does this information tell us about what my student could do next?
Did you just receive your student's PSAT scores? Attend our free Understanding PSAT Results webinar on Wednesday, December 2 at 7 pm EST. Register here.
About Seeley Test Pros/LEAP
At Seeley Test Pros/LEAP, we help students and families navigate the SAT, PSAT, ACT, and college admissions process through expert test preparation, academic support, and personalized guidance. We believe that informed decisions, thoughtful preparation, and a clear understanding of each student's strengths can make a meaningful difference in their educational journey. Reach out to learn how we can help with every part of the college admissions journey.
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