Stressing Testing

Eric Perez
Editor-in-Chief
  The practice test most high school students are stressed about, it is the test that could determine someone's future in school. The PSAT or the Practice Scholastic Assessment Test is a chance for Sophomores to prepare for next year's SAT. The SAT could determine what kind of college someone could attend. Due to the possibility of the SAT being important for one’s future, the practice can be very beneficial. It is an important test, therefore having a practice test can help students tremendously.
  BHS, Bonneville High School has an amazing program run by Bonneville’s counselors Mrs. Thompson and Ms. Hinson. The program is having a big change this year. Instead of being taken on paper, the PSAT and SAT will be taken online on computers. Students in this day and age are so used to using technology; therefore, the online test could be easier for students than writing the test on paper. An interview was conducted with Ms. Hinson, and she had some interesting things to say. She stated, “There's different features on the test that you can grant people options they would not normally attain on a paper test.” The change to an online test can benefit students who might not be as prepared as others. “...everyone can have a split screen, and there's a calculator already on the computer for anyone to use. There's different highlighting options and things similar, that are excellent tools.” Some students that come unprepared without the right tools now have the chance to use the best resources available to them.
  Bonnevilles college counselor Ms. Hales had some wise words to say about the PSAT. She was asked how the SAT scores differ from someone who takes PSAT and does not take the PSAT. Her response was, “We find that [the] students who take the PSAT and the NMSQT do significantly better on the SAT.” The PSAT is free for all sophomores. If it does not cost anything to gain an advantage, students should use their resources wisely and take advantage of their options. On Monday October 23rd, the Sophomores got the chance to take the PSAT. In April, the juniors will take the SAT. Juniors have a good time frame to study and prepare for the SAT.
   School testing can be very stressful for countless students. The chance to take the tests online is something new and exciting. The PSAT is a wonderful opportunity for students to obtain a head start on the SAT.

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