Every year in October all 10th and 11th graders take the PSAT. This test is a practice test for the SAT, which most students will take their senior year for their college applications. This test assesses your knowledge on the two main core subjects, math and English.

The PSAT is a dreaded but needed test that tests your knowledge on all core subjects. Not all dread it, since they know it’s just practice. But others spent their nights studying with a pot of coffee and ramen noodles. The four hour test consists of four different timed tests; English reading, English language, math with a calculator, and math without a calculator. Four hours may seem like a long time to be stuck in a single classroom, but luckily you get a five minute break after each section of the test.

Although it doesn’t hurt you if you do badly on it, it can pay off if you do well. Scoring in the top 1% of your state your junior year could allow you to receive The National Merit Scholarship. In fact, this year two of our very own Tides were granted this scholarship, Irvin Yi and Griffin Bird. This scholarship is actually three different ‘awards’; a $2,500 scholarship, a corporate-sponsored award, or college-sponsored award. All of these are an absolute honor to be awarded. Along with that scholarship, if you still score high enough you can be awarded other scholarships and awards from different organizations and/or colleges.

With the PSAT now over the 10th and 11th graders now wait upon their scores. As well as, preparing for the next PSAT or their SAT.