The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) took place Oct. 15 in the Peter V. Ueberroth Gymnasium with 250 sophomores and juniors completing the test last Wednesday.

The PSAT is a preparatory test for students who plan to take the SAT. But between the school work load and extracurricular demands, are students really feeling prepared for the PSAT?

“I [didn’t] feel ready for the PSAT because I [didn’t] prepare or take a practice test,” said junior Erika Garcia.

Sophomore Daniel Levy also believed he was not prepared for the PSAT, but upon starting the test, he realized he was actually very well prepared.

With all of these students taking the PSAT, Sage Hill jumps through many hoops to ensure the testing is fair and the rules are followed. Christie Olsen, assistant to college counseling and academic programs, explained, for instance, that “we exceeded the 34:1 ratio of proctors to students.”

If a student has a high enough score on the PSAT, he or she qualifies for the National Merit or National Achievement Scholarship Programs, as well as other programs. This year, Sage had six National Merit Semifinalists, 14 National Merit Commended Students, two National Achievement Program Outstanding Participants and three National Hispanic Scholars.

A mock ACT test is scheduled Oct. 29 for all juniors.

Upcoming dates:

• SAT test dates
  November 8, 2014 (October 9 registration deadline)
  December 6, 2014 (November 6 registration deadline)
  January 24, 2015 (December 29 registration deadline)
  March 14, 2015 (February 13 registration deadline)
  May 2, 2015 (April 6 registration deadline)
  June 6, 2015 (May 8 registration deadline)
• ACT test dates
  October 25, 2014 (September 19 registration deadline)
  December 13, 2014 (November 7 registration deadline)
  February 7, 2015 (January 9 registration deadline)
  April 18, 2015 (March 13 registration deadline)
  June 13, 2015 (May 8 registration deadline)