The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) is a 2 hour and 45 minute long exam that tests students skills in reading, writing, and math, emphasizing the accumulated information learned in school. The PSAT season often pushes students to dive into their studies and review many of the concepts they have covered over the years. This year, Hen Hud held the PSATs in the dome; over 100 students attended from grades 10 and 11. 

Since inception, the PSAT has been a paper and pencil exam, requiring students to fill out bubble sheets with their answers. However, the test crossed into the 21st century this year with a new digital format for students. The College Board cited a simpler grading process and, most importantly, more efficient time use for students—the test is 45 minutes shorter with fewer questions. Students also receive the benefit of more time for each question.

The opening process was tedious (filling out personal information and signing the terms of agreement) but was quite efficient as it took less than 40 minutes for students to begin the exam. This digital aspect was welcomed by many students with many great responses to the change.

 “It was a very interesting experience, very calming. It felt quite kinda quick to be honest.” said sophomore Sariah Chance. 

The only downside to this change was the amount of time it took for the digital tests to be graded. Despite the College Board’s effort to decrease grading time, students waited over a month in some cases for their scores.

 Overall, the reception of the transition to a digital format for the PSAT was well received amongst the students. The College Board used this digital PSAT cycle as a trial run for an even more significant change: the digitization of the SAT. Considering the positive views of the PSAT’s new format, it is likely that the digital form of major tests as such is here to stay.