This prep test helps TJ students see where they stand and shows where they can improve.
Photo by Mia Nogueira
The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test coupled with the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is very useful for students, helping them discover their academic strengths and weaknesses while identifying students who have qualified for scholarships.
The students who participated in the PSAT/NMSQT will benefit from taking the test. The results, which will be given to students by the end of the first semester, show how well the student performed in writing, reading, and mathematics. The individual scores are ranked by class, and students can see how well they performed compared to their fellow students.
The PSAT/NMSQT is a test that students are usually expected to pay to take in 11th grade. However, because TJ is part of the Excelerator grant, the test is funded by the grant so students do not have to pay to take the test.
“It’s an indicator of how successful [students] might be even in college or when they take the SAT,” said Administrator Joanne Moreno. “We are in a society and a period of time where we are kind of over tested, but this is one test I would definitely recommend. It’s good prep.” When the results are given to the students, they can see their academic strengths and faults. Based on those results, they can improve in areas in which they did poorly.
The NMSQT is included in the test, and it is an advantage for students who are interested in the National Merit Scholarship and other scholarships. Then, scholarship organizations may contact the student, based upon their results.
The SAT costs $45 dollars for a student to take the test. Upcoming SAT test days that students still have time to register for are on January 23rd, March 13th, May 1st, and June 5th. Students have to register about six weeks in advance. As far as score improvement goes, “[Students should] talk to their content area teachers…and if they were able to show them where their weaknesses are, they could point them in the right direction,” said Moreno. When it comes to test preparation, “We have been giving out SAT prep books. I think the best way is to know yourself as a test taker. Are you going to get nervous? Are you going to feel better if you review practice questions? You can also sign up for the question of the day that is sent to your email,” said Moreno.
