HUDSON– Last week, Hudson High School sophomores and juniors put their skills to the test as they took the Preliminary SAT, more commonly known as the PSAT.
The exam, held on Wednesday morning in classrooms across the building, tests students on both their literary and Math skills. The exam serves not only as practice for the SAT but also as a chance for juniors to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
“I think it is a good step in getting ready for college,” said junior Gregory Wickson, adding that “It has some very good benefits, like the scholarships.”
For many students, the PSAT is their first step toward the college admissions testing experience.
Teachers encouraged students to treat it like the real SAT — both to gain practice and to improve their chances at scholarship qualification
“Yeah, that would be a great opportunity, and I’m glad I have the chance for it,” said junior Toby Edie, referring to the National Merit Scholarship.
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a nationwide academic competition that awards high-achieving high school students based on their PSAT scores. Each year, about 1.5 million juniors take the PSAT, but only the top-scoring students in each state qualify as National Merit Semifinalists.
While the PSAT isn’t the same as the SAT, it follows a similar format and asks similar questions, which prepares students for the SAT when it comes time for them to take it.
“I’ve never taken the real SAT, but the PSAT allows me to know what to expect when I do take the SAT,” said sophomore Kent Muyise.
