Metea juniors prepare to take the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test on Wednesday, Oct. 23.
Although Illinois switched from requiring juniors to take the SAT to the ACT, Metea continues to host the PSAT for its juniors.
Many students, however, wonder why a practice SAT is being taken rather than a practice ACT.
“Standardized tests are generally very similar,” Spirit House Counselor Mark Jager said.
According to Jager, juniors can learn many of the same things from both tests. Students learn to manage their emotions, stress, and time, making the PSAT a good way to prepare for the ACT.
“I do think that the PSAT is a good introduction into what their ACT is going to be like,” Jager said. “I think it’s a good opportunity to enter into the world of standardized testing.”
Junior Irene Suarez says she will use the PSAT to prepare for questions and topics that may appear on the April ACT and any other future standardized tests she may take.
“I’ll be taking the SAT in the spring anyways, so the [PSAT] will help me prepare for the test in advance,” Suarez said.
The PSAT also offers opportunities for students who do well to earn scholarships. According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, 7,580 scholarships will be offered to those taking the test this October.
“Every junior that takes that test, if they score high enough, then they can qualify for certain scholarships,” said Jager.
He also stated that 16 million juniors in the United States take the test yearly, but only 1% can be a part of the scholarship program.
Some juniors, like Suarez, have been preparing for this week’s PSAT to earn these scholarship opportunities and get an idea of what the test will be like.
“I’ve been looking at different sources, like Khan Academy, to do different practice questions,” she said.
Khan Academy provides many free questions, videos, and more for students to prepare for standardized tests. Suarez believes that practicing for the PSAT is beneficial when students want to improve their scores and be more prepared for taking the test in general.
“If it can’t hurt, you go for it,” Jager said about whether or not students should study for the PSAT.
According to College Board, scores can be expected to be released 4-6 weeks after the test is taken on Oct. 23.
