By: Aarav Sapra
On Thursday, October 23rd, students at Williamsville East High School took the Preliminary SAT (PSAT), an important test that helps prepare students for the SAT and also gives them a chance to qualify for national recognition. The PSAT has been an annual event at East and continues to encourage students to measure their academic progress and practice the skills necessary for the SAT and their college readiness. For further context, the PSAT was designed to test students in three main areas, which include reading, writing, and math. The reading section was aimed towards comprehension and analysis of passages, while the writing portion focused on grammar and editing skills. Finally, the math section measured problem-solving and reasoning skills. Most sophomores and juniors at East who took this test, regardless of their scores, gained some sort of benefit from this introduction to standardized testing. For sophomores, it served as an introduction to standardized testing, while juniors used their results to prepare for the SAT and possibly qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Preparation for the PSAT had always been encouraged by teachers and counselors who wanted students to feel confident on test day. Many courses that students had taken at East, particularly math classes, provide thorough content, which can be helpful and quite similar to the content on the preliminary exam. For instance, the rigorous honors and AP classes available at East help prepare a majority of students to do well on specific sections of the SAT, allowing them to get a good score. Furthermore, resources were available on the College Board website, where students could take practice tests and review online study guides. These materials were very similar to the actual test and allowed students to practice under identical time limits and conditions, which helped reduce stress and improve focus while taking the real test. Regardless, one of the best ways to prepare for the PSAT was to take practice tests. Ultimately, taking a few full-length practice exams helped students understand the format, pacing, and question style. Furthermore, reviewing missed and wrong questions afterward was just as important, as it showed which areas needed more attention. For instance, if a student struggled with grammar questions or algebra problems, they could spend extra time reviewing those topics before the test.
In addition to academic review, students were also encouraged to take care of themselves leading up to test day. Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy breakfast, and bringing the proper materials such as pencils, a calculator, and ID made a big difference. Ultimately, staying calm and confident was just as important as preparation. Overall, the PSAT played an essential role at Williamsville East High School. It gave students a preview of the SAT, helped them identify their strengths and weaknesses, and opened the door to potential scholarships.