As testing season approaches, students took the PSAT on Oct. 7, but what is the PSAT? The PSAT assesses knowledge and skills for college career readiness, providing practice for the SAT and a chance to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. The test has two main sections, which are reading and writing, and math. It lasts around two hours, where the two sections are split into four modules. The reading and writing sections include 54 multiple-choice questions, short passages, and written responses, and are split into two 32-minute modules. The math section is 74 minutes long and contains 44 questions divided into two modules that cover algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. The PSAT uses adaptive testing, meaning performance on the first module influences questions on the second module. Junior Ava Burbrink took the PSAT last year and found it was a helpful preparation step before the SAT.
“The PSAT is a great way to see where you are doing academically and prepare for the SAT,” Burbrink said.
There are numerous different reasons to take the PSAT, as sophomore Idhika Shetty will be taking the PSAT this year and plans on using it to her advantage.
“I feel like now is a good time to get started, just to be prepared for the future,” Shetty said.
The PSAT is considered one of the most effective ways to prepare for the SAT.
“I learned what the SAT will be like, along with problem-solving skills, as the questions fit themselves to your abilities. I learned good test-taking strategies, and it was a good way to not get overly nervous for the SAT,” Burbrink said.
Although the PSAT is not mandatory, according to the Indiana Capital Chronicle, approximately 80,000 students choose to take it statewide.
“I do not think it should be mandatory, but I do think it should be highly encouraged. With not going to college being more popular in this generation, it shouldn’t be forced on people,” Burbrink said.
It is a public resource that, according to the Indiana Capital Chronicle, 48% of high school sophomores and juniors use the test as a studying tool that doesn’t harm scores and doesn’t affect college applications.
“I think the PSAT can be helpful for anyone, and you can put as much or as little work into it as you want,” Shetty said.
Students prepare for the PSAT differently, as some prepare, while
others take the test without studying to see where they place naturally.
“I am not really going to prepare for the test because I want to see where I am,” Shetty said.
Every student is different and uses a different approach towards tests, and while some students choose not to study, there are useful resources to prepare for the test.
“There are many online resources to look at to be prepared for the PSAT,” Burbrink said, “It’s good to know where you’re at with math and English to better prepare.”
There are also resources available here at school to help you prepare. Junior Brooklyn Donner took the test last year and used a range of study tools.
“My English teacher also helped me a lot,” Donner said.
Taking the PSAT allows students to practice and better their skills before the SAT, with a good idea of where they need to improve to earn a higher score.
“I plan on reviewing the sections that I scored low on, as well as going in with a positive mindset,” Burbrink said.
Students can focus on specific areas to improve their scores, depending on their individual needs for the test.
“I will read more books, especially things from my APUSH textbook. Just reading and comprehending those helps with improving the reading on the test,” Donner said.
