The Scholastic Aptitude Test — also known as the SAT–is a standardized test created by the College Board for students to submit to US colleges.  

The SAT includes sections that evaluate students’ knowledge of reading, writing, and math, with a score range of 400 to 1600.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, universities have made submitting SAT scores optional, which has given students less motivation to take the Pre-SAT and SAT. 

Junior year of high school is the typical time when students choose to take their SAT. The College Board offers testing in March, May, June, August, October, November, and December.

In preparation for the SAT, there are different types of PSAT tests that students can take. 

8th and 9th-graders are offered the PSAT 8/9 to establish a baseline for college and career readiness.

10th, 11th, and 12th graders can take the PSAT throughout the school year and can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program — an academic competition for high school students, with a chance to win a scholarship. In North Carolina, the score needed to earn the National Merit Scholarship is a 218 on the PSAT.

Typically, students decide to take the PSAT in their sophomore year, in preparation for their junior year SAT.

One of Leesville’s sophomores, Leah Doring, said she is “very worried” about when she has to take the actual SAT. 

Although in the end, the PSAT was easier than students expected it to be.

Stefano Louca, sophomore, took the PSAT in October 2025, said, “I think the English section wasn’t too bad; most of it was just common things.” 

Overall, the PSAT is good practice for students and good for students to get a feel for what they need to prepare for.