The Meaning of 8/9 Grade?

I've seen people discuss '8/9' grade online, and I'm not really sure what they're talking about. What does 8/9 grade mean exactly? Is it just another way of referring to a specific time in high school or something else?

The term "8/9 grade" that you've encountered online is likely referring to the PSAT 8/9. This is a standardized test designed for students in the 8th and 9th grades, created by the College Board, the same organization responsible for the SAT and PSAT/NMSQT. The PSAT 8/9 is essentially a precursor to the more well-known PSAT/NMSQT, which is typically taken by students in 10th and 11th grades.

The primary goal of the PSAT 8/9 is to help students, teachers, and parents gain insight into areas where students may need to focus their scholastic efforts in preparation for the PSAT, SAT, and eventually, college admissions. The test measures college and career readiness and serves as an early gauge for academic strengths and areas for improvement. While the PSAT 8/9 is not directly used for college admissions applications, it assists in guiding students on the right path and highlighting areas where they can improve their performance in time for the more consequential standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT.

The PSAT 8/9 is structured similarly to the PSAT and SAT with sections in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math. Although it covers similar content, the questions are designed to be more accessible to younger students at this stage in their education. Students can use their PSAT 8/9 scores as a benchmark to track their progress and better prepare for future standardized tests and college applications.

I hope you find this information helpful!