It’s about the time that students all across the nation will start taking the PSAT. The PSAT is the preliminary scholastic aptitude test. In a way it is basically a practice test of what the actual SAT will be like.

The counseling office at West has given students the opportunity to sign up for the PSAT. The test is completely optional and any student who wants to take it regardless of grade is encouraged to sign up.

The test will take place Wednesday in the wrestling room, followed by the actual SAT that takes place later in the school year around Spring.

Unlike the PSAT, the SAT is a mandatory standardized test that all juniors must take. It counts as a college entrance exam.

In other words, it is an admissions test that colleges really look at and depending on how well a student performs, it can determine their college acceptance and even acquire scholarships for them. It also helps students get qualified to join the National Honor Society.

If interested in signing up, it is not too late. Students may still go to the counseling office and must bring a payment of $15 to sign up.