Practice SAT: Does it Actually Help?
October 20, 2014
Written by Sophie Roman and Jordan Ledyard |
No matter what grade you are in, the SAT is a concern. The SAT is a standardized test measuring student’s ability in reading, writing, and math. The test is how students show colleges what they know and how well they can apply that knowledge. To prepare for this important test, sophomores and juniors take the PSAT. The PSAT is a nationwide, multiple-choice test taken by about 3.4 million high school students every year. The PSAT will preview what to expect on the SAT which will be taken later junior year. This is according to the College Board website. The Morgan School administered the PSAT on Wednesday, October 15th.
While the PSAT is given to the Sophomores and Juniors, the freshmen will attend three workshops for the Junior Portfolio. The Seniors have the morning off.
After interviewing students, there were mixed opinions of the test. Junior Jayde Forbes said, “I feel like it prepared me for the real one.” Junior Catlen Goss said, “Once I found out about the merit scholarship I took it a lot more seriously.” Sophomore Sofia Sicignano said, “Some questions were way too complex as some were under people’s abilities, also more time would have been nice.” Sophomore Alex Church had similar opinions. “I didn’t have enough time, and I need a longer break…and food. I feel like some parts were way too easy to prepare me.”
History teacher Mr. Graham shared his opinions on the PSAT. “It’s a test that measures your skills on reading, writing, and math which are important for college so the results of the PSAT shows what you need to work on.” Recalling his own experiences in high school, he explained how the PSAT wasn’t a test you took in school, you had to take it on your own time. He didn’t take it but wishes he had because “It shows students that they are able to do well on these skills.”
benjack1 • Oct 23, 2014 at 7:56 am
Having taken my SATS a couple of weeks ago, its is safe to say that the PSATS are worth investing your time into. The test increases in difficulty as you complete each section, and the time frame you have to do so is ridiculously small. Studying for such an influential test is key to receiving a good score. It is good to see people wanting to improve their chances by recognizing the relevance of the PSATS.
chriswaterbury • Oct 23, 2014 at 7:54 am
Great article. i am a senior and took the SAT last year. All the preparation the school put us through and any extra studying i did on my own time honestly helped me a lot. The SAT is a test much different from any you will every take so any preparation for it helps.
charlottelimosani • Oct 23, 2014 at 7:53 am
This article was really well written and informative about the PSATs and the students feelings on them. Being a senior and having taken the SATs three times, I feel that the PSATs are definitely important and help you to see what you need to work on for the real test. It is so important to do good on your SATs because it means a lot to colleges to see how you test and a measurement of your knowledge. I think the PSATs are really helpful and everyone should take advantage of the benefits it gives you.
mayakadel • Oct 23, 2014 at 7:52 am
I really like how this article was put together. I, being a freshman, haven’t expirienced the PSAT. But when I do take it, based on this article, I would probably agree with the opinions of the students who took the PSAT. I enjoyed this article!
mmcdermott2014 • Oct 23, 2014 at 7:47 am
I really enjoyed this because it went further into detail about PSAT’s and why they’re necessary, despite the negative opinions of some students! I also felt as if we should have had a little more time to do it.
alariviere • Oct 23, 2014 at 7:40 am
This was a very informative article! Since I’m a sophomore, I also took the PSATs last week. I agree with Sofia and Alex’s statements about needing more time to complete the tests. I didn’t realize how many people take this test every year!