When it comes to preparing for a college career, many students take entrance exams such as the SAT and the ACT.
On Oct. 19, Carlmont sophomores and juniors came to school at 8 a.m. to take the annual PSAT free of charge.
According to Kaplan Test Prep, the test includes 60 minutes of evidence-based reading, 35 minutes of writing and language skills, and a total of 70 minutes of math questions encompassing several topics.
“My favorite sections were the math portions because there’s only one answer and I didn’t have to second guess myself. During the language and reading sections, I doubted myself a lot,” said sophomore Katrina Wiebenson.
Because of the test’s length, classes were organized into a block schedule that lasted for two days, changing the course of the school week.
Eleventh-grader Anthony Arteaga found that there were some downsides to the change of the schedule.
“I actually received more homework the night before the test, which annoyed me because we had four hours of testing the next morning and started school earlier. Some of my classmates had chapter tests after the PSAT, which I find unfair,” said Arteaga.
Other students, however, were satisfied by the test’s distinct schedule.
“I was given significantly less homework prior to the PSAT, which was very considerate of my teachers. With that extra time, I actually looked through the study booklet. I think that helped me,” said 11th-grader Isabel Mayoss.
Because the test was only offered to sophomores and juniors, freshmen and seniors were busy with other arrangements that morning.
Seniors were not required to come to school until the test taking was over.
“My morning off helped me catch up on other responsibilities and things that I don’t always have time for. Personally, I loved being able to sleep in; it helped me de-stress and I had extra time to do homework,” said 12th-grader Sarah Rachal.
Although freshmen did not take the PSAT, they were required to attend a seminar including a variety of activities that focused on high school experiences and college credits.
“We went to different locations where speakers talked about community colleges along with CSU and UC systems. They also mentioned the credits that we need to earn. I learned a lot of necessary information, but it was overwhelming learning about college considering I’m only a freshman,” said freshman Melina Dimick.
Overall, the day of the PSAT provided some variety to the school week.
“It was nice to have something different added to the week. I like the switch to a block schedule every once in a while,” said Mayoss.
