Every year in October, students from around the country take the PSAT, a formal practice SAT test. Some students enjoy it, taking the time to practice for the real deal: the SAT. Some students, on the other hand, despise it. To them, it is simply another nuisance on top of the nuisance that is school itself. In my opinion, I like PSAT. I think it is beneficial towards SAT studying, and the half-day doesn’t hurt. However, to an idea for what other students think of the PSAT, I asked around to a few of my fellow classmates: Sudyut Sinha, Daniel Cavalheiro-Santos, and Nathanael Yeager.

1. How do you feel about the PSAT?

    Sudyut: It was easy.

    Daniel: The PSAT is a great way to get a feel for the real deal: the SAT.

    Nate: The math was surprisingly easy, and I would not be surprised if multiple students got perfect scores on both math sections. The reading was a little bit more challenging, but overall the section was easier than I expected. The vocab choice was very basic. The Writing and Language section was definitely the most difficult; I felt like it was in line with how the SAT is. Overall the test was fairly easy.

2. Do you think it helps you prepare for the SAT?

     Sudyut: Yes.

     Daniel: Definitely

     Nate: The reading and language sections could help to some extent, but I do not see how the math section could help. It was very easy compared to actual SAT questions.

3. If you could, what would you change about the testing, if anything?

    Sudyut: I would make the math more difficult so that it is more in line with the SAT.

    Daniel: As a person who likes to take his time, I wouldn’t mind getting a couple more minutes to work on the test overall.

     Nate: I would make the test harder to more closely resemble the SAT. This would show a student what he needs to work on while also providing an accurate score for what someone could expect on the SAT.

As these opinions show, it appears that other students do appreciate the opportunity that is the PSAT. However, some do argue that improvements could take place to make the opportunity even more advantageous. Regardless, all students should take advantage of the PSAT.