For most students, October 23 was like any other day of school, but for a handful of daring juniors, this was the fateful day where they would have to take the preliminary SAT test (PSAT) at school. For weeks, students have been preparing to take the PSAT test so when the actual test day came around, they wouldn’t stress too much about it. While the PSAT test is optional, it does provide a variety of benefits and opportunities that make taking the test worth it. 

The PSAT is about 2 hours and 45 minutes long, and is the practice test for the SAT test. This exam tests students in subjects such as math, reading, and writing on a 1520 point scale, mimicking the same skills as the SAT in a shorter time frame. While the test is not mandatory, it helps students prepare for the SAT test that students can choose to take later in the year. Because of Covid-19 though, many colleges and universities haven’t been requiring students to take the SAT test at all, giving the students a choice whether they even want to take the PSAT or SAT. 

“I decided to take this test because I want to take the SAT. Even though people said the PSAT is not that important, you have that practice so you’re more prepared,” Xiaoxuan Huang (11) said. 

One benefit of taking the PSAT test is that it gives students the chance to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship—an academic competition offering the chance for students to gain money for the college or university of their choice. While the PSAT is not the only way to become eligible for this scholarship with instructions online, it is one of the best ways to qualify for the program. 

“I told students, even if it’s $500 $1,000 you think, ‘Well, it’s not that much nowadays,’ but a bunch of little scholarships like that add up [and] help take care of stuff like books [in college],” PSAT coordinator and counselor Ms. Christina Domicoli said. 

A lot of students chose to take the PSAT test not only because it prepares them for the SAT test, but it also prepares them for what they want to do in the future. Some colleges and programs require students to submit standardized test scores, so taking the PSAT prepares students to submit their real SAT scores when the time comes. 

“I chose to take the test because it helps me prepare for the actual SAT, my goals in achieving my major in business, and what college I want to apply to,” Daniel Bui (11) said. 

In order to get a good score on the PSAT test, students work day and night to practice and prepare using materials that they find online. Some of these materials include practice through Bluebook, and materials provided by the College Board in partnership with Khan Academy. Even with this plethora of resources available to students though, it’s hard to find time to study, making it essential for students to manage their time well and minimize stress. 

“A lot of these students have multiple AP classes, so it’s just finding the time to schedule out the type of practice,” Ms. Domicoli said. “I always tell students anytime you can practice for the PSAT or SAT [is good] but summer time is best because usually not much is going on and you don’t have to worry about your six classes.”

While the PSAT test is not required, it includes many benefits that outweigh the cons. The true challenge though is making sure you are prepared for the test and having time to study. The most important lesson of all is to not stress about the test. 

“I say don’t stress too much and just make sure you kind of know in advance what to expect. and practice so you’re not just showing up [unprepared],” Huang said.