For the second year in a row, Woodbridge High School will administer the PSAT, SAT, and PreACT to all students on October 11th.

Freshmen will take the PreACT, sophomores and juniors will take the PSAT, and seniors will take the SAT. 

According to Mr. Kane, the head of guidance and testing, it is common for schools to provide the PSAT, but not the SAT. Woodbridge provides the SAT to ensure all students have the opportunity to take it. 

Science teacher Ms. Clarke sees the school-provided tests as a great benchmark assessment. “It is a good way for students to see if they need help, before paying for the test.”

The school has offered SAT-prep classes for those students who feel they need additional help. “Regardless of what level English a student may take, there is an SAT prep course available during the Junior year,” said Mr. Switek, who teaches the English portion of the SAT Honors course.

This year, a Saturday assistance program called the SAT boot camp, will provide  juniors and seniors with an added opportunity to prepare. “In my experience,” Mr. Kane said, “the more practice tests you take, it will improve your test scores.”

Students are encouraged to give their full effort on the PSAT and PreACT, as well, since it will expose them to the tests and provide them with experience. Senior Thomas Evan said, “I didn’t take it seriously my freshman year, but later I realized it was good practice for the SAT.”

Although taking the test is important, it’s not the only aspect of students should focus on for college preparation. “It is an indication as to what kind of student you are, but I don’t think it dictates what exactly a student is,” said Mr. Kane.

Standardized testing, like the SAT, has been criticized, but it will likely be around for a long time. “It’s not going to go away. It’s here, so we have to take it seriously,” said Mr. Kane about standardized tests.

Woodbridge High School encourages students to seize available opportunities for preparing for the SAT and ACT, including the SAT prep classes, SAT boot camps, and practice tests.

However, when applying for colleges, students should understand that the SAT is not the only factor, and other things, such as extracurricular activities, will be considered. “Students should engage in class, join clubs, play sports, and create a well-rounded education to take with them,” said Ms. Clarke.