Guidelines on the PSAT with Ms. Charley

Last week, the Blueprint interviewed Ms. Charley, the 10th grade administrator about the PSAT. Here’s what you need to know:

The PSAT is a practice SAT:

-The PSAT is simply an aptitude test to let you know what you need to study for the SAT. Ms. Charley describes it as a ‘no stakes test’. “-you’re taking it to help you in 11th grade.”. The PSAT is meant to be taken your second semester of 11th grade, so you may not know all the content yet- and that is okay!

Take the PSAT even if you’re unsure if you will do well:

-Like mentioned before, the PSAT is a no stakes test. It can only help you in the long run. Doing well in 10th grade can alert potential colleges, but there is no penalty if your score isn’t that high. It’s all meant for 11th grade.

Don’t let cost be a deterrent:

-The PSAT for 10th graders is completely free, but there is a $19 fee for Juniors. If the cost is a financial strain on your family, talk to your administrator or counselor. Ms. Charley recommends filling out a FARMS application. “This is why it’s so important for kids to fill out free and reduced meals if they get three reduced meals because even if you don’t get lunch, you could take the SAT and the PSAT for free”.

Studying can help:

-While the PSAT is a ‘no stakes’ test, it doesn’t help to study. If you do well, colleges may reach out to you and you can qualify for National Merit scholarships in 11th grade. If you plan on going to college, I recommend that you study as early as possible.

Bring important items and leave the rest behind:

-What do I mean by important items? I’m glad you asked! Ms. Charley recommends a light jacket, water, a snack, and your student ID on the day of the test. I recommend you also bring a calculator, which is not required but can be very helpful. Make sure to check on the College Board website to see if your calculator is an approved type.

Turn your phone off!!:

-It is crucial that you turn your phone off before the exam begins. Ms. Charley reminds us that “- the PSAT is not controlled by Springbrook… It is not controlled by Montgomery County Public Schools and so the rules that they have is like, we can’t really be flexible and say, oh, okay, well, we’re gonna give you a break,”. If your phone goes off (even if it’s in your bag in the front of the room) you and everyone else’s test in the room can get disqualified. 

Get a good night’s sleep:

-Last but not least, get a good night’s sleep the night before the exam. You might hear this every night before a test but it’s important to hear! Get a good night’s sleep, eat a good breakfast, and pack your bag the night before.

The PSAT is October 12. I wish all sophomores and juniors good luck and I hope these guidelines helped!