Each fall, students at Calabasas High file into their homerooms to take one of the most well-known standardized tests in the country: the PSAT. This year, it fell on October 22nd. While the test itself lasts just over two hours, the day is treated as a schoolwide event. While the freshmen, sophomores, and juniors take the test, the seniors attend senior breakfast. Last year, Calabasas High celebrated two students, Benjamin Chamie and Bradford Bell, who were recognized for their exceptional PSAT scores. Their performance earned them recognition through the National Merit Scholarship Program, which highlights top scorers across the nation. For many students, this is the ultimate goal when taking the test.
Counselor Miss Tarczynski explained how selective the scholarship process can be.
“I know that two of our students this past year did receive it,” she said. “I believe it was like 34,000 students that were able to get some type of scholarship, and two of them were Calabasas students.”
The PSAT, officially known as the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, is a multiple-choice exam that measures reading, writing, and math skills. The test serves as preparation for the SAT and as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. If students earn the scholarship, they receive $2500.
Counselors view the PSAT as more than just a standardized test, but as a useful academic checkpoint.
“It prepares students to understand what the test is and what it does for college,” explained Tarczynski. “It helps students gauge where they’re at, so if they see that they’re struggling in math, for example, they might seek tutoring or extra help before taking the SAT.”
Juniors who perform exceptionally well may become National Merit Semifinalists or Finalists, opening doors to scholarship opportunities and college attention. According to the College Board, scores range from 320 to 1520, mirroring the SAT’s scale. Students who achieve top percentile rankings are often considered for scholarships funded by corporations and universities through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Counselor Miss Ritchey explained that the test also serves as a valuable indicator of college readiness.
“Especially as a junior, it’s a really great indication of where you are in terms of your readiness for college in English and Math,” she said. “You get a sense of where you’re doing well and where you might want to focus as you move toward the SAT.”
Preparing for the PSAT often begins months in advance. Students use online practice tests, sample questions from the College Board, and personalized study plans from sites like Khan Academy. Some also complete practice books or attend tutoring courses. While many students see it as practice for the SAT, others take it seriously as a potential path to scholarship money.
Counselors have noticed that students’ motivation often comes from their long-term goals.
“A lot of students want to go to college, and taking the AP classes or preparing for the PSAT prepares them for that,” Tarczynski said. “It definitely helps students gauge where they’re at, and they can use that for where they’re going in the future.”
For most students at CHS, the PSAT is taken in ninth and tenth grade as practice and again in eleventh grade when it officially counts toward scholarship eligibility. Though the test is optional, counselors encourage participation because it gives students a realistic preview of the SAT and valuable insight into their academic strengths and weaknesses.
Students reflected on their experiences taking the PSAT and how it helps prepare them for future standardized tests.
Kayla Teruel, a 10th grader at CHS, shared, “The PSATs, I think, are a good prep for the SATs for our seniors. I think that there is a lot of reading for the English version. And I think the math version is relatively easy.”
Students reflected on their experiences taking the PSAT and how it helps prepare them for future standardized tests.
Sophomore Lori Luo said, “I think it’s necessary because it gets people ready for the actual SAT, and you can apply for scholarships once you’re a junior.”
While the PSAT can sometimes feel like another box to check on the path to college, it remains an important milestone for students aiming to demonstrate academic excellence and prepare for future challenges.
