It’s that time of the year again Panthers (specifically sophomores and some juniors)! Preliminary SAT testing (aka PSATs) has arrived once more for our 2022-2023 school year and takes place October 12, an A Day. For those who are perturbed or confused about how the day will go, or just have questions about the PSATs (and the SATs), we’d recommend taking a look. And no, the PSATs do not affect your grade. 

What Schedule Changes will Happen?

The entirety of the PSAT test-taking day will change the schedules for sophomores only and there will be NO BELLS all day. For our non-test takers, you will stick to your regular A-Day schedule. Everybody NOT taking the PSATs will have lunch determined by their 5th period: first lunch being PE, Health, Community College, Portables, 300, 304, 308, 318, the 400s, and the 500s; second lunch being the 200’s and 300’s; and third lunch being 800’s, 900’s, 212, 214, 222, 224, 304, and 306. For our test takers, the end of the third period will be your lunchtime (or if all materials have been collected).

Why Should I Prep for the PSATs? 

Preparing for the PSATs is very important even though it does not affect your chances of college admissions, but getting a higher-than-average score can help you earn the National Merit Scholarship. The National Merit Scholarship not only looks great on a list of achievements, but it also rewards $2,500. Also, getting a good grade on the PSATs can improve your morale when it comes to taking the actual SATs. 

What Will be Tested?

The PSAT’s will only test your mathematical capabilities, writing/language abilities, and reading skills. The mathematics portion will contain material from Algebra, Algebra 2, Geometry, and some Trigonometry. Most of the math questions will be multiple choice but there will be some that are student-produced responses. The writing/language portion of the PSAT will have questions based on non-fiction passages and arguments. This will test your editing skills, grammar, and vocabulary. Lastly, the reading portion will test your text comprehension, the context of vocabulary, analytical skills, and the use of evidence to support an argument. 

How can I Study for PSATs (and for the future SAT)?

One of your teachers may have handed out packets for preparations, but if that isn’t enough there are plenty of strategies that may be of your preference. Whether you are a visual learner, a textbook reader, or a procrastinator, flashcards are always a go-to study method because of their simplicity. Make some flashcards and review them with a friend or family member. If neither are available, scatter them throughout the home, and whenever you come across one, answer it before you go to do what you wanted to do. There are also tons of helpful websites that offer both paid and free help, such as The Princeton Review, Studypoint, testmasters, and Kaplan.