The most dreaded test of the year. Some might argue that it doesn’t count, and its harrowing nature is worthless: the PSAT. Approximately 1.5 million juniors take the exam each year, and about 50,000 of those students receive recognition from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Of those, 16,000 scholars are named semifinalists for their outstanding test-taking abilities, earning a nomination for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship. North Atlanta is proud to announce that three of its very own students have been honored with this admirable award: Lela Ganske, Alfred Ponder, and Joe Nieves.
According to the PSAT, there are two types of students: the mathematician and the bookworm. While some individuals prefer the math and science portions of exams, many find comfort in the reading and writing sections approaching the exam in different ways. To accommodate these varied learning styles, senior Alfred Ponder recommended taking practice tests before the real deal. This way, students can not only build confidence but also help identify strengths and weaknesses before the exam day. “When I prepared for the exam, I primarily practiced on Khan Academy to get a sense of what the test would look like,” said Ponder.
While the PSAT primarily serves as a practice for the SAT, it still adds significant stress for many juniors. With piles of homework, daunting exams, grueling parents, and demanding extracurriculars, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. On top of these pressures, the PSAT may feel like another obstacle in the already overwhelming high school experience. Not only is the exam good practice for the SAT, but it also paves the way for scholarships or recognition from the National Merit Corporation. Senior Lela Ganske turned her stress to fuel her motivation to work even harder. “I was definitely nervous about the exam, but after I studied I felt confident and ready to take it on,” said Ganske.
With rapid advancements in technology, online education has increased exponentially. Nowadays, it’s considered old-fashioned for teachers to hand out a paper assignment. In the fall of 2023, the PSAT officially transitioned to an all-digital exam. Senior Joe Nieves prefers the online format to the traditional paper and pencil. “The transition to digital was easier than I thought it would be,” said Nieves. “The smaller passages made the exam feel a lot less intimidating.”
These three students excelled on the PSAT and discovered effective ways to navigate their struggles and cope with stress. Their ability to adapt and avoid succumbing to test anxiety helped them achieve outstanding results, fostering resilience for future challenges. By sharing their strategies they have inspired their peers to tackle standardized testing with confidence and a positive mindset.
