On Oct. 16, juniors across the nation will be taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). This exam, which focuses on critical reading, math problem-solving and writing skills, is a practice for the real SAT as well as the entry exam into the National Merit Scholar Corporation program. To prepare students for the test, PSAT prep sessions have been held in the fixed forum every Thursday before school at 7:45. In these sessions, students dedicated to doing well on the exam sit through lectures for teachers and staff members such as Lisa Wilson and Charles Golden. From these lectures, students learn a variety of test taking strategies specific to each individual portion of the test. Some strategies may seem to be more helpful than others, but many students appreciate the extra help they are getting to prepare.

“I think some of the writing or grammar tips have been pretty helpful because I struggle with grammar rules that aren’t instinctual,” junior Andie Divelbiss said. “The least helpful have been the reading strategies, but I think that is mostly because the way you do that section successfully varies a lot from person to person. I think it’s great that the school is being so supportive and offering a way to prepare for the students that care about the test, or set high goals for themselves.”

Aside from just helping students prepare for the exam, these prep sessions have also helped them improve skills needed for their regular classes.

“I’m finding that it [studying for the PSAT] helps me with other subjects, test taking skills and hopefully the SAT or ACT,” junior Amanda Miller said.

According to an article by U.S. News writer Ryan Maness, PSAT scores matter for a variety of reasons including scholarships, confidence boosts and an approximate score for the SAT, so it is very beneficial for students with specific goals to prepare adequately.

“I want to better my score from last year,” junior Hannah Seyl said. “And hopefully I’ll get a merit award.”

Aside from helping increase scores, preparation also helps students relieve stress they have about the exam.

“I’m really anxious,” Divelbiss said. “Every time I think about it my stomach clenches and I get a little breathless. I’m sure I will only get more nervous [as the testing day comes closer]. I don’t think I will ever feel ready to take it, but I hope I can go into the test with some determination.”

For any students who are particularly nervous about taking the PSAT, staff members have some words of advice.

“Go into the test with confidence,” principal Scott Roberts said.  “Attack the test, don’t let the test happen to you. Do not put too much pressure on yourself, but don’t be too lackadaisical either.”