This month, sophomores and juniors took their PSAT (Preliminary Scholar Aptitude Test) at Amador Valley. The two hour 45 minute long test consists of reading comprehension, grammar and language, and math. 

In comparison to the real SAT that consists of 160 questions (1600 points), the PSAT has 152 questions worth a total of 1520 points. 

“I actually studied for this test, because it puts you into consideration for National Merit,” said Kakad. “I go to a tutoring place every week to take practice tests.”

National Merit is a scholarship for the top 0.03 percent of PSAT scores in the United States. This year, 50,000 out of 1.5 million test takers qualified for the honor, according to National Merit Scholarship.

At Amador, many of the students hope to qualify for this scholarship that leads to money for college and national recognition when applying to schools.

Last year, five Amador Valley High School students were awarded National Merit Scholarships among approximately 1000 high school students across the United States, as reported by Pleasanton Patch. 

Amador Valley is no short of high achievers, and this year is predicted to be similar to last year’s PSATs. Some people had different plans for their PSAT.

“I also took the PSATs just to see how naturally well—or bad—I scored before taking the real thing,” said Adam Cowan (‘24).

Students like Cowan used their PSATs as a way to know what areas they needed extra help in before taking the test that truly matters for college.

“It’s all pretty stressful, now that I’m a junior and have to begin worrying about test scores and where to apply,” said Cowan. 

Extra free resources and practice tests for the PSAT/SAT can be found on Khan Academy, PrepScholar, and College Board.