On October 11th of this year, Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors at Meridian will be taking the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test). For the first time, the test is completely digital, and will take place on the Bluebook app.
What is the PSAT?
The PSAT is the preliminary version of the SAT. According to College board, it is “structured similarly to the SAT®, and has the same sections and timing.” Taking the PSAT is a great way to prepare for the SAT and see how to improve.
Why take the PSAT?
The PSAT 8/9, which freshmen take, does not count for merit scholarships. However, it is excellent practice for the PSAT 10 and 11.
The PSAT 10, according to College Board, is “the same as the PSAT/NMSQT in terms of subject matter and difficulty” except that “students take it in the spring of 10th grade, instead of the fall of 10th or 11th grade [and] it doesn’t qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship Program.”
The PSAT for 11th graders (PSAT/NMSQT) functions as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships and looks great on college applications.
How can I practice?
“We highly recommend students practice with the new format,” Mr. Amerinea stated on Schoology. To do this, simply search “Bluebook” in Macbook’s “spotlight search” feature and press the return key. Next, sign into a student College Board account. The application should say “Welcome,{name}! Take a practice test and get ready for test day.” Select the “Test Preview” option to get a feel for how the test works, or the “Full-Length Practice.”
How will the tests take place?
Students will be testing in Stable Groups, unless additional accommodations are required. According to Mr. Laub, “Testing will begin about 8:45-9:00 on exam day and will take us close to the end of the day and dismissal to go home.”
What should I bring on test day?
According to College Board, some items to bring are: a fully charged device, a power cord and/or a portable charger, a pencil or pen, an external mouse, an external keyboard, and an approved calculator.
