Founded in 1959, the PSAT, also known as Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), is a standardized exam that is organized by the College Board. Sophomores and juniors were scheduled to take the PSAT on October 16, 2024 and were encouraged to show up on test day and put in maximal effort.
In anticipation of the test, students felt a variety of emotions. Some felt assertive in their test-taking abilities and had a nonchalant outlook on the PSAT.
“I’m not nervous at all, I feel confident enough because I’m taking hard courses anyway,” junior Jack Musselwhite commented.
Whereas, some others felt less confident about their test-taking abilities and had an anxious attitude regarding the PSAT.
“I’m a little nervous for [the PSAT], since I don’t really know what to expect, but if I knew the majority of what [it involved], I might be fine,” sophomore Elijah Williams imparted.
One of the most effective methods of ensuring success for an exam is studying, which can be exhibited in many forms, depending on a student’ learning style. Ranging from note-taking, visualization, creating mnemonic devices and assessing oneself with flashcards, there are numerous techniques to approaching the task of studying.
“Students can prepare for the PSAT by doing practice tests and looking at Khan Academy,” senior Pavan Rao voiced.
Aside from the substantial flexibility students have in how they set themselves up for success, there are a few other relevant aspects to keep in mind about the PSAT. Mainly, this year, the test will not be administered to freshmen.
“I have mixed feelings because although [the PSAT] would be a good experience… I’m glad we freshmen [have the year] off because coming into high school, it’s nice that we have a breather instead of worrying about tests,” freshman Eunice Li verbalized.
Moreover, contingent on their scores, juniors could be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship (NMS), which is why the PSAT is formally referred to as the PSAT/NMSQT. This is significant as scholarships reduce the cost of attending college.
“The PSAT can qualify you for multiple scholarships, and given that with preparation, I can get a high enough score, I am definitely motivated to study for the PSAT,” junior Sara Pan disclosed.
Although the PSAT is an excellent opportunity for juniors to earn scholarships, it does not otherwise affect the process of college applications. However, it is the practice exam for the SAT, which does affect the process of college applications.
There are many additional reasons why students should care about the PSAT, but one of the most important among them is the emerging trend that an increased number of colleges are making admission tests mandatory again.
“Coming out of COVID, schools moved away from using tests as a means to evaluate student applications because students didn’t have access to testing. What we’re starting to see now is a slow shift back to requiring standardized testing, such as the SAT, for applications in the schools themselves. The PSAT provides practice for students so they can do better on the SAT, and thus, do better in the application process,” college advisor Mr. Gitterman expounded.
The PSAT is an extremely significant part of one’s high school journey, but students’ experiences with taking the test matter just as much as the test itself, as via these experiences, the College Board can gather feedback from the participants of their exam. Using this feedback, they could determine how to optimize the procedures of the PSAT, so that future test-takers are all the more successful.
Overall, the test experience was favorable for some students, and they had minimal suggestions for how to improve the administration.
“My experience with the PSAT was pleasant, and I encountered no problems during the testing process. Also, the paragraphs in the reading section of the PSAT could be separated to make it easier for us to read the information,” junior Abel Abraham revealed.
On October 16, 2024, 10th and 11th graders took the PSAT/NMSQT, and tried their best throughout the process, regardless of how challenging it might have been.