DAYTON-Local High School students prepare to take the SAT exam with a prep course held on Monday, October 12 followed by the PSAT test Wednesday, October 14, 2020.

That time has come once again for high school seniors to practice testing for the SAT which will be taken later on in the year, by studying for the PSAT which is the practice exam.

Students from grades 9-12 have the option to take the PSAT in order to prepare themselves for the SAT. When taking the PSAT, the test is split into sections focusing on different skills and academic areas, just as the SAT. Students are given a set amount of time per section to answer all of the questions to the best of their abilities.

The practice gives them an idea of what the SAT is like, what it looks like, what questions may be on it, and how it feels to take the test. This generally improves their chances of scoring higher on the SAT as well.

Taking the PSAT also allows kids to apply for the National Merit Scholarship program, which can present students with amazing scholarship opportunities. Placing a high score gives students a better chance at receiving the best scholarships, which they may need if they choose to take the college route after graduation.