Freshmen, sophomores and juniors will take the PSAT this Wednesday. 

The PSAT, also known as the Preliminary SAT, is a standardized test designed to prepare students for the SAT and gauge college readiness. It is also a qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarships Program. 

Most students take the PSAT their freshman, sophomore and junior year, but some are able to take it in eighth grade as well. 

Because the PSAT could be beneficial for college preparations and scholarships, many students choose to study for the exam. 

“I want to study because I know that if I get a good score it can help me in the future for scholarships,” junior Hayley Washington said. 

To study, students can utilize many online resources and diagnostic tests. The College Board provides detailed tips and instructions about how to study for the exam, practice questions and a full-length practice test. 

The PSAT is a 2 hour and 45 minute test, plus 40 minutes built in for breaks and administrative tasks. It is hard for students to feel motivated and have a positive attitude throughout the entire exam. 

“I personally hate long tests like this and it has taken a while to get in the right attitude for it. I’m not really looking forward to taking it, but I know it will be helpful in the long run,” Washington said. 

Although some students study for the PSAT without question, it is hard for others to feel motivated to do so. The PSAT does not affect college admittance and is not required for applications, so some students do not find it necessary to study for it, considering it is not the real SAT. 

“I believe that everyone should study for the PSAT, even just a little bit, in order to feel less stressed during the test and because it can still be very beneficial and important,” Washington said.