Sophomore PSAT in Early March and Students Aim for Higher Scores as Requirements Return

On a scale of one to ten, sophomore Edgar Ortiz rates the importance of the upcoming PSAT a ten. “I'm going to take it even more seriously,” he states, determined to get a better score than he did last year.

The upcoming sophomore PSAT is set to take place on March 5th, with 30 available spots for whoever signs up first. The PSAT 10 is a standardized exam covering math, reading, and writing, designed as a practice test before the official SAT in junior year. Students have the opportunity to take the PSAT once a year up to 11th grade.

To sign up, students fill out a short Google form. “In January, an email was sent to sophomores saying the Google form to sign up for the PSAT 10 was open,” explains Ginny Yasutake, College and Career Counselor. “Flyers on our website and in the parent newsletter were available with QR codes” as well. The deadline to sign up was February 6th. The form also provides instructions on where to go and what to bring; this year, students report to the library at 7:50 a.m., and testing lasts for a duration of two hours and 14 minutes.

Yasutake noted that “currently, 17 sophomores are signed up to take the PSAT 10 this year and 19 students took the exam last year,” pointing out the similarity in numbers. She urges students to take the PSAT, although it is optional, as "it serves as excellent practice for the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) and the SAT,” opening up “doors to prestigious scholarship opportunities.”

Unlike freshman year, some sophomores seem to be taking this PSAT more seriously. “Last year I forgot I was taking it until the day of, so I like barely tried,” explains Murphy Crossman. While he says he’s not necessarily “super focused” on this year's PSAT, he aims to improve his score because “from what I've heard, you can take it as much as you want, and they'll take the higher score from both sections of it.”

Most students, similar to Crossman, see the value of the PSAT as preparation for the real SAT. “I really want to know my general knowledge on math and English so I can study for what I don't know when the time comes that I do have to take the real SAT,” says Khimberly Baniqued. In her case, practice is important because good SAT scores are crucial to the college she wants to attend. “I really do need to take it seriously.”

Venice Gallegos agrees, pointing out that SAT scores are important for future opportunities with college or scholarships. “Now that COVID is kind of dying down, a lot of better schools are bringing back their SAT requirements,” she explains. Getting a good score can “really open up a lot of opportunities for me.”

Even so, she’s not too stressed about the PSAT. In the end, it is meant as a practice test, and to her and many other students, “my score doesn't dictate anything about me because I know I can improve upon it.”

Some students remain unaware of the PSAT; one anonymous sophomore questioned, “What is that… it’s like a standardized test that’s like all the main classes?” with uncertainty. Kalea Markulis said, “I wasn’t sure how to sign up,” but even so, she plans to take the PSAT next year because she sees the value of the experience. “If you don't take it, then next year when your score actually counts, you'll just be blindsided by the questions and you won't know how to prepare.”

Gisele Miller mentions that not all colleges require SAT scores, and that taking the PSAT is more of an individual preference. “If you want to go to a prestigious school or an Ivy, you have to take it. It really just depends on what colleges you want to go to.” Skye Carroll agrees, though she also thinks it’s just good to take the PSAT and SAT because future plans could always change: “It's good to have regardless of the colleges, if you want to try some reach schools and just have kind of like a backup.”

Senior Teiva Gerling advises that whether or not you’re planning to take the SAT, it’s good to take the PSAT to help you familiarize yourself with how the test runs. “It's free as well, so I honestly would just take that chance to just get myself acclimated to the test,” he says. “This is so if the real ones come, and you do decide to take it, you won’t be sitting at your computer and wondering how to do this or how to type in this answer.”

For students who are committed to earning a good score, Yasutake emphasizes that there is no magic trick to mastering the SAT or PSAT, but that “success comes from truly understanding the concepts covered on the exam.” She suggests a study plan and practice, saying additional resources such as “SAT prep material is available in my Post-High School Google Classrooms.”

She also points out that while students may feel anxious, “it doesn't have to be a barrier to success.” “If you feel anxious due to a lack of preparation, commit to a study plan. If you are nervous because you’re hungry, prioritize a good breakfast. If you need rest to focus, ensure you get a full eight hours of sleep before test day.”

Ultimately, what’s most important is to avoid cramming the night before, Yasutake added. “It’s rarely effective. Instead, build your confidence with practice tests before exam day.”