The PSAT and SAT tests are designed to help students with college readiness, along with opportunities to achieve a high score and possibly earn scholarships. The PSAT is a practice SAT that is typically taken by 10th and 11th graders. The SAT is usually taken by 11th and 12th graders.
“These tests used to be required, but after 2020 admissions changed it,” said Christina Stover, Campus Testing Facilitator. “Now, some universities require it, but not a lot; it’s optional.”
Registration opened September 3, and the starting fee is under a hundred dollars. However, late registration is more expensive.
“Taking it early showed me how to prepare for the actual SAT,” senior Alisa Puzanova said.
The PSAT is two hours and 45 minutes long. Each section is one hour and 10 minutes. The main subjects are reading, writing and math skills. The test was completed on campus on October 8. If a student does well and chooses to submit their score, then there is the chance of earning a scholarship.
The SAT will be taken sometime during the spring and all juniors will have the chance to take it. It consists of reading, writing and math. It is two hours and 14 minutes long, with reading and writing lasting 64 minutes and math 70 minutes.
The main purpose of the SAT is to “give a true idea of how you rank against other students across the nation,” said Stover.
Some good tips for preparing include a good breakfast, learning how to pace and hours of studying.
“Studying helps teach you how to stay focused for three hours or so,” Puzanova said. “Switching up your surroundings helps because tests are often taken at a new location, so it helps you learn not to be distracted.”
How the PSAT and SAT contribute to college readiness is important. First, as a junior, there is the chance to qualify as a National Merit Scholar.
“They choose 6,000 kids across the nation in the top 1% for scholarship money,” Stover said.
It is recommended to take the PSAT at least once, since the score can be (but does not have to be) submitted to a college of choice. If applying to a junior college, neither test has to be taken to begin with because they’re not required.
“I want to take it to raise my chances of getting into college,” junior Preslee Theobald said.
