The National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, or Preliminary SAT, is a practice test that prepares students for the SAT, a prestigious standardized test that helps colleges determine who they will accept as students. Specific PSAT scores can also help students qualify for scholarships, making it even easier to get into the college of their choice.
That is why the PSAT is so beneficial; it prepares students for the SAT and can get them a high score on their first try. The OHS administration recognizes these benefits, so they are making the PSAT free for all students who want to take it, even freshmen. Unfortunately, the deadline for registering was in August, but freshmen and sophomores can still wait for the next school year to take the PSAT. This is the first time that OC is making the test available to freshmen, which can benefit students further, as the test is available to take each year.
“The test is typically taken by students in 10th or 11th grade, but we want to offer it to 9th graders for practice. Just like in sports, teams have to practice to play in the game. In academics, this is an example of practicing your academics so you can demonstrate knowledge when it comes time to take the SAT,” said Justin McLain, Assistant Principal.
This year, the PSAT is scheduled to be taken on Saturday, October 26th, at 8:00 AM on campus. Students are taking the PSAT this year to help improve their learning capabilities, as well as their skills in subjects they’re already familiar with.
“I was motivated to take the PSAT this year to help me prepare for the SATs and get used to the format of the test,” said Taylor Nunziato-Cruz, sophomore. “I hope for a 5 on the test, and I understand that to reach that goal by studying and making sure I take good notes in class.”
Although the PSAT can be taken multiple times throughout a student’s time here at OHS, it’s best for them to study and prepare more each time they re-take it, as their scores will likely improve, providing even more preparation for the SAT.
“It really tells you where the student’s at, like your level of learning and if you need help. It really tells you where you are in your learning abilities,” said Tabitha Mioc, sophomore.
Mioc believes it’s important to take the PSAT to allow students to scale where their learning abilities are and improve on areas needed. She also says that it’s almost required to take the PSAT to boost your chances for success and getting into a good college.
It’s evident that the PSAT has the potential to help any student who decides to take it, whether they are planning on taking the SAT or just to see where their academic abilities lay. By taking the PSAT, students will be prepared for the SAT and achieve their goals of getting into a good college and having a successful career, which is exactly why OC offers it to its students: the school thrives off students getting high scores for the SAT. “I would advise other students to take it if they can, as it’s always good to get more practice in general,” Nunziato-Cruz said.
