Karah Provenzano, Junior Editor
November 21, 2023
PSAT/NMSQT standardized test for 10th and 11th grade students. However, unlike past years where the test had been on paper, the College Board introduced its new digital exam. On the College Board website it states, “The test is easier to take, shorter, has more time per question, and comes with a built-in calculator.” While the College Board seems to think this switch is going to be very beneficial to students, what do the test takers actually think?
Two PCHS students had differing views on the “new and improved” test. The sophomore test taker said that they did not like taking the test online and if they had a choice, they would pick the paper version. They did enjoy the timer feature that would either be at the top of your screen for the entire test or would pop up when five minutes remained if you chose to hide it. They also didn’t think that the digitalized test impacted their score. On the other hand, a junior test taker enjoyed the digital version much more than when they took the test on paper last school year. They also enjoyed the timer feature and most importantly, not having to fill out the dreaded informational section as the test was already connected to each individual’s College Board account. If you did have to input information, it was minimal.
This year the Port Chester High School average score for the exam was 992 out of a maximum score of 1520. This score was lower than the average score for students in New York State at 1018. Port Chester students did actually do better than test takers in the U.S., U.S. territories, and Armed Forces as they had an average score of 977 and better than all testers with an average score of 979.
Just a little reminder to test takers: a score does not define who you are. Take the score you got and use it to practice and improve for your SAT, which is what actually matters.
Columns reflect the opinions of the writer and are not necessarily those of The Port Light or other organizations in which the writer may be involved.