On Wednesday, freshmen, sophomores, and juniors at Calabasas High took the annual PSAT under a formatted schedule that moved around classes to accommodate the test. Seniors who did not take the test enjoyed a senior breakfast.
This year marks the first time that freshmen at Calabasas High School were required to take the PSAT alongside sophomores and juniors. Freshmen took a slightly different test than sophomores and juniors as their goal was to gain experience rather than qualify for scholarships or prepare for the actual SAT.
“It took freshmen a little bit longer to log into their college board account since it was their first time taking a College Board test because some of them had never taken it before,” said Curriculum & Instruction Assistant Principal Corine Musgrove.
The PSAT is taken to prepare for the SAT and qualify for scholarships. Including freshmen in the testing process is a sign that CHS is preparing its students for college earlier in their high school careers; this gives younger students exposure to standardized testing. While several freshmen admitted they were somewhat nervous about taking an exam, others were excited and looking forward to the exposure.
“I’m excited for the test because I know it will help me in the future with my test-taking skills,” said 9th grader Thea Shaw.
The PSAT covered four modules, including two reading/writing modules and two math modules. Sophomores were not sure what to expect from the PSAT but were pleasantly surprised by the outcome versus their expectations.
“It was overall fun, but the second module for math was pretty rough,” said sophomore Hannah Small.
Juniors took the PSAT with a goal of qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship, but many did not understand what that scholarship could do.
“It is also just telling students why it [The National Merit Scholarship] was important,” said Mrs. Musgrove
Last year, Calabasas High School had success: Seven juniors made it past the first step of the scholarship process, and two CHS students were semi-finalists for the National Merit Scholarship.
Through these changes made for just the PSAT, Calabasas High School still continues to adapt its approach to better equip students for future academic challenges like standardized testing. PSAT test results will be recorded back to students in about three weeks.
