Sophomores, Juniors Take PSAT to Prepare for Actual Tests

             On Oct. 13, 2010, sophomores and juniors were given the opportunity to take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) for eighteen dollars at Parkway North.
             “My mom is making me take the PSAT to prepare for the real SAT and the ACT,” said junior Sarah Rizzo.
             The PSAT is a standardized test that is formatted after the SAT and gives students the opportunity to get scholarships for college and possibly earn a ranking in national merit. The test is very much like the PLAN test that all sophomores are required to take because it helps students prepare and become recognized with the standardized tests that many students will be taking their junior year.
             Junior Jennifer Hoac said, “It’s nice that we don’t have to go to class but I’m also taking the test so that I can get used to taking a timed test and so that I can get comfortable with it.”
             The PSAT tests critical reading, math problem solving, and writing skills. The test is about 130 minutes and each section is scored on a scale of 20-30.
             “The test lets you know what you have to improve on for the real tests,” said Rizzo.

By Lauren Hasse