Thursday, December 22, 2016

First PSAT Results of the Year Are In!

First PSAT Results of the Year Are In!
Sydney Neuman

As a high-school student, there is a “laundry list” of thing to do. It is hard to balance everything! A large mark on this list is the SAT. It is no surprise that there are a lot of people in the world who want education, especially since diplomas appear to come hand-in-hand with success nowadays.
Higher learning institutions (colleges) will commonly use SAT scores to narrow down their applicant pool. Thus, SAT scores are very important. There is no such thing as over-preparation, especially in today’s fast-paced world. With that in mind, the PSAT was created.
This practice version of the test proves helpful in a cornucopia of aspects. First, it allows the student to experience the long, timed test within a realistic setting. Second, it allows the student to grasp the type of material tested on the actual exam. Third, it provides an analysis on the exam. In other words, the student will be able to see which portions of the test they struggled with and need more practice for. Without a doubt, it is a useful tool worth to be utilized for the all-important SAT.
As many are aware, there is an alternative to the SAT. It is called the ACT. The differences between the two tests are surprisingly large. Not only are there more questions per section, but the sections on the ACT are in a different format than on the SAT. For example, there is an additional “science” section near the end of the exam. Many argue, however, that this is just another reading and analysis section. There is no methodology; some skillsets are better suited to the ACT than the SAT or vice versa. Which one is personally best for you?
It is a big decision, and it should not be taken lightly. Yet, as with all life decisions, approach it one step at a time. Partake in some practice exams and determine which test is best for you. After this, study, practice, and give it your best shot! Nothing in life is worth participating in with minimized effort or half-intent. Being successful may not mean getting a perfect score or even going to college, but if it does, you should not walk into the testing room while feeling unconfident. The many Homer High School students that took the PSAT recently had this in mind. What was on your mind?