On Wednesday, October 16, students in grades eight through eleven arrived 15 minutes early to take the PSAT.  All students were given a practice booklet a week ahead of time. Throughout the week they spent class time doing certain exercises and checking them with their teachers.

Sarah Karp 15′ says, ” I didn’t think the PSAT was that difficult, and it was good practice for when we have to take the actual SAT.”

Some eighth graders took the PSAT as seventh graders last year for the Duke Tip program.

Shannon Ross ’18, a student who took the PSAT last year, said, “I think I did okay. It was still pretty hard, but I think I kind of knew what to expect.”

Tori Onufrak ’18 did not take the PSAT in seventh grade but still thinks she was pretty prepared. “I guess it was fine. I thought the math was hard though.”

According to Mr. Runge,  Director of College Counseling, ODA was given the opportunity, along with 100 other schools to start offering the PSAT to eighth grade students.  This is part of a 10 year study with the College Board to determine if starting the PSAT earlier will increase the scores of students, rather than the original starting point, which was 10th grade.

Mr. Runge states, “We, as a community were honored that the College Board chose The Out-of-Door Academy as we have always believed that early acclimation to these types of tests ultimately increases one’s opportunity of scoring well as they maneuver into the college application/admissions process.”

While all agree they are glad this year’s testing is over, most students were happy to have had the opportunity to practice for the SAT which everyone hopes will create many options for college.

Results from the test will be available in December through the College Counseling office. Eighth graders will get their scores through their advisories.