The Scoop on the PSAT and SAT
Published October 2023
PSAT
PSAT
The PSAT, offered by the College Board, is considered a practice version of the SAT. Math, Reading, and Writing are tested. It is only given once a year in October. Students can take it as a sophomore and again as a junior.
The benefits of taking the PSAT are as follows:
• The PSAT familiarizes testers with the test questions and format of the SAT.
• PSAT results are confidential...they do not appear on the high school record, so even if you do poorly, it's not going to keep you from being accepted at a certain college.
• Your score report shows your performance compared to other college-bound students AND gives you access to FREE, PERSONALIZED SAT practice at Khan Academy.
• You might qualify for the National Merit Scholarship if you take it as a junior.
Here is a sample score report:
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt/scores/understanding-scores/your-score-report-explained
Students are notified about PSAT sign-ups via school email and the morning announcements. Sign-ups are through the Counseling Center, and the test is taken at school on a day designated by the College Board.
Here is a link you can take a practice PSAT exam if you'd like... https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/practice
Did you take the PSAT in October and need to see your scores?
Click here to learn how to access your online score report.
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/scores/getting-scores
SAT
SAT
The SAT covers verbal and math skills with an optional essay component. "Most" colleges do not require the essay, but some do. You can search here to see if your potential colleges require it.
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/college-essay-policies
While many colleges require the SAT, others are choosing to go "test-optional" and may not require the SAT at all. It certainly will not hurt for college-bound students to take the exam, but please know it is not always required.
Any students with an IEP or 504 plan can apply for accommodations. These may or may not be approved and must be submitted at LEAST 7 weeks prior to the exam. Please contact your case manager or school counselor to apply.
It is recommended that you take the SAT in the spring of your junior year. If you do poorly, you could test again in the fall of your senior year. Register online at https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register. Typically, West Perry offers the SAT in August, October, December, March, and June. Other dates may be available at other local schools. Details are on the College Board Website.
**SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO KEEP IN MIND: You do not get points taken off your score for wrong answers, so it is always best to take a guess for every question!! You may know more than you think you do!
If you are on free or reduced lunch, see your counselor for a fee waiver.
Here is a checklist for your SAT day and a detailed flyer explaining the steps to registration:
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/pdf/sat-registration-test-day-checklist-flyer.pdf
Practice Makes Perfect
Here are some suggested websites for SAT practice. There are also many apps available on the App Store. Do not feel that you need to pay for practice--there are many free resources, including these below.
https://www.khanacademy.org/SAT
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/practice
https://www.freesatpractice.org/
Start a Study Group
West Perry High School Counseling Center
Ms. Commins- Counselor for 9-11 Last Name M-Z - tcommins@westperry.org
Mrs. Zeigler- Counselor for 12th Grade - mzeigler@westperry.org
Mrs. Barber - Guidance Clerk - cbarber@westperry.org
Website: http://highschool.westperry.org/services/counseling_center
Location: 2608 Shermans Valley Road, Elliottsburg, PA, USA
Phone: 7177893931