The worried student opens the test that may alter her future plans; she reads the first question and shutters in fear??is this the right answer?? This dreadful personal scenario could have been softened if she had taken the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) to practice for SATs.

The PSAT is designed to help student prepare for the SATs. The test will be offered on Oct. 18 in the PC gym from 8:30 A.M-12:30 P.M.

?I?ve taken the test before but being a junior I?m taking it again to better prepare myself for the SAT,? Victoria Ball, ?08, said. ?I think the PSAT will help me see the things I need to work on for the SAT.?

The administration believes that students can benefit greatly from taking the PSAT.

?It prepares sophomores and juniors for the real test,? Jon Endicott, associate principal, said. ?It shows your weaknesses and what you would need to work on for the real test.?

High school is often seen as preparation for college and the PSAT is one of the first steps to get students to really get the feel of college in general.

?Students who are planning on going to college should take the test,? Endicott said. ?It?s the first step to get you in the mind set of college; last year about 70 students took the test but more should be taking it to prepare for the SAT.?

Over 75 students signed up during the week to take the 2006 version of the PSAT.

As juniors begin to look at colleges and apply for scholarships, taking the PSAT becomes very important during this process.

?For juniors the PSAT can be very beneficial,? Endicott said. ?If they score high enough they can qualify for a national merit scholarship.?

The PSAT measures critical reading skills, math problem solving skills, and writing skills. The test is way for students to know their strong and weak points before actually taking the real test.

?I?ve taken the test before but I?m taking it again because it?s great practice for the real test,? Katelyn Aydelotte, ?08, said. ?It helps to get better familiarized with the test and the more you take it the more you see what you need to work on.?

The test cost $12 to take and a study booklet was given to students at the time they sign up for the test.

Students can find tips on how to prepare for the SAT on www.collegeboard.com.

For more information, contact Endicott in the high school office or e-mail him at [email protected].