The PSAT is tomorrow, Oct. 11. The Pre-SAT is a standardized test to help students prepare for their big future tests including the SAT and ACT. It is crucial to earning scholarships as a junior and it is equally important for freshman and sophomores to aid them in getting ready for the actual SAT. Not only do you need to show up tomorrow to benefit your future, but you need to be prepared to help you get a better score.

“For juniors, the PSAT is really important,” Mrs. Wright says, “because it determines whether students can be considered for National Merit Scholarships.” The PSAT is also known as the National Merit Scholarships Qualifying Test. If your total score is in the 99th percentile of the 1.5 million juniors who take the test, then you will mostly qualify to become a National Merit semi-finalist. According to StudyPoint, approximately 15,000 juniors will make the cut.

“For sophomores and freshman, it is also important just to kind of give them an idea of what they are up against when they take it their junior year and when they take their SAT and ACT.” Wright said.

Hunter Powell (’19) agrees with Wright “You should come no matter what to see where you are at,” Powell said.

Once you get back your scores, you will be able to work on them to get the score you want in the future.

For all the students taking the PSAT tomorrow, Wright says its important to get enough sleep, eat a good breakfast, and make sure to get here on time. To be fully prepared, make sure to bring two No. 2 pencils, an acceptable calculator, snacks and water, and extra batteries for your calculator. Mechanical pencils and pens are not allowed as well as any electronics such as cell phones and cameras. Also, do not bring extra tools including highlighters, rulers or scratch paper because you won’t be allowed to use them.

While it’s mandatory for 11th graders and underclassmen to come to school and take the PSAT, senior attendance will not be taken until 12:30pm. Caroline Caplinger (’18) is not planning on attending Wednesday.

“I’m a senior and since I don’t have to take the PSAT, my parents are okay with me not going,” Caplinger said. “I need a break.”

She has already taken two PSAT and has just recently taken her fourth SAT.

If you are a freshman, sophomore or junior, come to school on time tomorrow or you will have to sit in the auditorium until it is over.  The PSAT will end at 11:00 for freshman and around noon for sophomores and juniors. Students will eat lunch with their grade levels. Traditional students will then attend sixth and seventh periods. IB students will stay in their homeroom.