On October 26th, the students at Elkins High will take the PSAT.  Currently, 75 students in grades 9-12 signed up to take the test. Students will go to a designated classroom determined by their last name to take the test, last names A-L will report to the media center, M-R will report to room 121 and S-Z will report to room 119 first thing in the morning. The tests will start at 7:30 and are expected to end around the 2nd block.

Amanda Carter, the school guidance counselor, seeks to reassure students about the exam.  “The PSAT is great practice for taking timed tests, as high school students, you’ll end up taking the SAT and ACT to go to college and those tests are all timed, and up until this point students haven’t taken any timed tests.”

She also noted that the PSAT qualifies students for the National Merit Program when they become Juniors. It also prepares students for the way the SAT and ACT ask questions as well as the type of information that will be on the tests so students will know what classes to take to be prepared.

“I’m taking it so I can have an extra year of practice before my 11th-grade year.” freshman Logan Nixon, says. “I hope to gain some extra skills I can practice on.”

“Don’t stress, it’s just practice! This PSAT does not get you into college,” Amanda Carter said, giving her words of encouragement for the students taking the test, “Just make sure you answer every question!”