Arlington High School is administering the PSAT for grades ten, and eleven this Oct. 14 2017. For Juniors, the scores of this test can qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.The PSAT is highly recommended for those students who are already thinking about the SAT,ACT and beyond their high school careers.  

The PSAT prepares students for the SAT and ACT in the coming years. The students who take the PSAT, on average, score higher on the SAT than those who do not. Scoring well on the PSAT allows for better scholarships as well as a jump start in the college admissions process.

“Taking the PSAT allows students to access test preparation resources through College Board, to include free Khan Academy SAT Practice. Students who spend 6-8 hours practicing through this Khan Academy resource saw an average increase of 90 points from the PSAT to the SAT,” said Allison Bennett, PSAT coordinator.

Ms.Knutson gave out the PSAT Student Guide and Practice Test #1 when signing up. By studying the material in the practice booklet, students will familiarize themselves with the types of questions and directions that will be on the test.

The PSAT Student Guide provides information, advice and tips, as well as several practice tests. The booklet walks students through problems to help understand the questions, wording, and process.

The best ways to prepare for the test include; reading, take an PSAT prep test, review answers (yours as well as examples), paying attention in class.

Avid readers tend to receive higher scores due to the knowledge they obtain through the books they read. Reading improves creativity, knowledge, and critical thinking that transfer well to the PSAT.

The PSAT Student Guide has several practice tests students can use; there are also online pre-tests that help test takers prepare. By taking these pre-tests the student can familiarize themselves with questions, directions, and subjects that are on the test. If students are having trouble with a specific type of question, they can practice individual questions in their Student Guide.

“Students should also read and become familiar with the PSAT Student Guide that was provided to each student who signed up to take the PSAT this year. It is full of information regarding test day and provides a full-length practice test as well,” said Bennett.

Reviewing your answers on the pre-tests allows students to see where they succeed and where they could use more practice. It helps students prepare for those harder questions for the real test. Review the student’s own answers as well as the pre answered that are explained.

The PSAT is based on knowledge students have already obtained through their education. By paying attention in class and in homework, students are already preparing themselves for these large test

“In preparation for the test, one of the most important things that students can do is take rigorous high school coursework. These classes will best prepare students for the types of test questions they will encounter on the PSAT,” said Bennett.

There are four sections for the PSAT test:

1-Reading Test, 60 minutes

2-Writing and Language Test, 35 minutes

3-Math Test-No Calculator, 25 minutes

4- Math Test-Calculator, 45 minutes

Day of the Test (Oct. 14, 2017)

Check in at AHS-7:30 am

Test Begins- 8:00 am

Testing Ends-Approximately 12:00 pm

Bring with you:

-School ID (or other government issued ID)

-Two #2 pencils

-Calculator (approved- pg 25 in PSAT student guide)

DO NOT bring:

-Cell phone

-Computer/Laptops/electronic devices