Every year, the sophomores and juniors take the preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT). This test helps them know what to prepare for on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The juniors are the only class that takes the SATs, while the sophomores get a PSAT their sophomore year and then another in their junior year. The juniors, once they take the SAT, if their score is high enough, can apply to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. The PSAT will determine which courses you should take and what you are encouraged to study. Mrs. Amrine, a counselor and PSAT supervisor counseled students, “Go in with the attitude that this is a good “progress report” on what your high school/college knowledge is so far. Do your best and then use the help that is provided on College Board to increase your scores for the SAT.” The SATs and ACTs (American College Testing) help students to qualify for college scholarships and admissions, but as of now most colleges don’t look at your SAT score. The exceptions are some high-level colleges including Brown, Dartmouth, Harvard, Yale, Georgetown, MIT, Caltech, and, additionally, public universities in Florida and Georgia.
The PSAT is a test that consists of reading, writing, language, and math within a time frame of 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours. The PSAT has a scoring system of 320–1520 points. The SAT, though, is reading, writing, language, math, and an optional essay. It is 3 hours without the essay, but almost 4 hours with the essay. The SAT is scored on a scale of 400–1600 points. For some people, the timing aspect is the hardest part of the test. Sam Park (11) explained that while the actual testing aspect wasn’t very difficult, the time limit proved to be a problem, specifically when it came to math. “I finished with five minutes on the English section. The math section took a little longer, and I ran out of time on the last question for overthinking.”
Several students who took the PSAT shared their experience with the PSAT and encouraged students to go into the test with a good attitude. “It’s not as bad as it seems,” said Anna Isenberg (10), “Make sure to study grammar; it was a big part of the test.” Olivia O’Berry (10) advised, “Get a lot of sleep the night before, or you will be miserable. Practice math and grammar for the actual SATs.” Jenna Nelson (11), a junior who took the test expressed confidence in her performance and recommendations for those who haven’t taken it yet. “I think the test went smoothly. The testing environment was quiet, and I feel like it went fairly quickly. I would say to the people who haven’t taken it to not stress over it. Make sure you sleep the day before and bring water on testing day. A good thing to study for the actual SAT would probably be similar questions you would find on the test. Practice books are always useful. Also, make sure to refresh your knowledge on basic math skills,” she stated.
The PSATs may be long and strenuous, but they are extremely helpful when it comes to preparing for the SAT, which will help many students with college in their sights. Park stated, “Take it if you are planning on taking the SAT. It’s free and you get practice.”