On October 11th, 39 students took the PSAT at Hastings High School. The PSAT stands for the Preliminary SAT. It’s also the National Merit Scholarship qualifying test.
“Two main reasons they take it is so they can try to get one of the scholarships and to practice for the SAT college entrance,” HHS counselor Pat Mcconnaughhay said.
The test was only for juniors and sophomores. Some of the way people found out about this test was it was in the school bulletin and posters were hung up all around the school.
“I found out about the test from my counselor. She gave me a note, I went and talked to her about it and I was willing to take it,” sophomore Izaak Hunsley said.
If the students score high enough, they get to take the actual SAT. Every year at Hastings High School, the juniors take the ACT. Mainy coastal schools require the SAT instead of the ACT. A junior, Kora Elms Flemming, took the PSAT for some practice for future tests.
“Right now one of my top college choices is the University of Oregon,” Elms Flemming said.
The test took about three hours and thirty minutes with breaks. A good test taking skill is learning how to manage your time wisely.
“I felt like I had enough time, since this was my second time taking the test, so i managed my time very well,” junior Alex Swoboda said. If you’re interested in taking the PSAT next year, make sure you talk to your counselor so he/she can tell you how to prepare. Keep an eye open for other tests you could take.
