Next week Thursday, October 16, ILS will be host PSAT-testing for 9-11th graders during the school day. The PSAT is a practice exam for the real SAT most juniors and seniors are currently taking or have already taken recently. The SAT is a standardized test with two modules in each subject of English and Math that challenges students from grammar and reading comprehension to algebra and geometry.
The PSAT is a great way to get students comfortable with the standardized testing environment and skills necessary for their future in college. At ILS, the PSAT is used for student placement as it determines where a student stands in their academic levels. It is essential for all students to take this test seriously because it will be important throughout all of their high school years.
Many people at ILS believe the PSAT to be vital for all students and think it should be taken into more consideration.
Math teacher and SGA moderator, Ms. Lexi Quintero gives her own advice and thoughts on how students should approach the PSAT.
Ms. Quintero urges students to think clearly and try their best on this exam no matter what grade level they are in.
Even though it is seen as just a practice test, the PSAT is well-known for giving students anxieties and stress because many students are either unfamiliar with the testing environment or many also doubt themselves and their answers.
Junior Teresa Kurishingal gives her advice on the PSAT to students as she soon will be taking her SAT:
“I feel nervous since this year it really does matter. I’m already bad at online testing so this sets me back a bit, but my advice would be to try studying a week before the test date, especially freeing up time on the weekend. Practice doing online format and using approved sources that the PSAT and SAT provide during the exam.”
Teresa understands the nervous feeling students feel before the exam, but ensures her peers that practice and patience will only provide positive results on the test.
Another junior, Francisco Cazelato, has taken the most recent SAT on October 4, and shares his experience with the Royal Courier.
Even with the complaints from many students across the nation of the difficulty level in vocabulary and advanced language in the exam, many people agree that it is very important for students to remain calm and try their hardest in this exam as it is necessary for college applications and readiness.
