Photo courtesy of Test Masters

A pencil lays on a PSAT test booklet.

Sophomores and juniors will take the PSAT on Oct. 15.

College Data, an online college advising website, says “[The PSAT] serves as an excellent introduction to the [SAT] since questions are similar.” Students are preparing to take this exam in multiple ways, if they choose to study at all.

Band junior Sarah Dolce has been studying for the PSAT for two months. Dolce has taken steps to become better equipped for this important test that will provide her with information on a prediction of how well she will do on the SAT.

“I’ve been taking an SAT class and [have] become more comfortable with the test itself,” Dolce said.

Dolce has taken this course of action because of the significance she feels the test has. The PSAT is given to help students better understand where they are in their preparation and readiness for the SAT and therefore indicate what score they can expect on their SAT. Juniors are also able to be eligible for a National Merit Scholarship if they score well enough. Students are urged to take this seriously because of these factors. Dolce has been studying in every way she can. From prep courses to constantly quizzing herself, Dolce has done it all.

“[I’ve been] taking an SAT class [and] repeating timed sections over and over again,” Dolce said.

Communications sophomore Mariana Pesquera has not started studying for the PSAT. Pesquera has had difficulty finding the time to study because of her hectic schedule. With school and sports consuming most of her day, she is left with little time to prepare.

“All of these other teachers are giving us so many tests that [we] have a previous commitment to. If I try, there’s something that comes up,” Pesquera said.

Being prepared for this exam and choosing whether or not to study will reflect in students’ scores and affect their confidence along with their knowledge of what to study and how to go about it. While Dolce feels ready for the PSAT because of her preparation through the courses she has taken, Pesquera has mixed feeling about her readiness for this test.

“In a way I feel like I am [ready] just because of all the tests in other classes but I feel not prepared because the way [the PSAT] ask questions, it’s not how teachers [ask questions],” Pesquera said.

With test day approaching, students will take the PSAT whether they have studied or not. With all of the hype and buzz that surrounds the PSAT, Dolce will not let one test define her.

“It’s just a test, really. And you can’t let a test define what you are because the PSAT and SAT are meant to trick you,” Dolce said.