On October 23, many of the HHS class of ’26 & ’27 took the preliminary SAT, better known as the PSAT. Just like the real SAT, the PSAT tests in both reading and mathematics. Students who take the PSAT at Hernando have the chance to be invited into the PSAT classes, taught by Mrs. Neel, Mrs. Sullinger, and Mrs. Farmer. Recently, the 91 students who were invited into the class for the next semester were given a celebratory breakfast in the cafeteria. The semester-long class consists of taking practice tests and learning test-taking skills to make the most out of the next time they have the opportunity to take the PSAT.
Mrs. Neel, one of the PSAT teachers and Interact sponsor, shared more on the PSAT class. There is no defined minimum to be invited to the class. Each year, the teachers of the classes decide based on every student’s score. “In the past, we took the top 30 scores, but have expanded the program in recent years to include up to 85 students because scores continue to improve,” Neel says. Since three teachers work together for the whole class, students switch between classes every day during their respective blocks. “This class is different because it rotates between 3 different teachers. Students rotate between English, Reading, and Math sections (2 per day, 45 minutes each section).” Having one block to learn in three different subjects, there is much more work for students to complete. “Students do have a naturally higher workload in this class because it is essentially 3 classes in one, but the benefits make the rigor worth it. They are given an AP weight, the scholarship potential is huge, and students are also able to get their CCR (college and career readiness) credit through this course…” Mrs. Neel added. For the students hoping to take the PSAT next year, and also hope to be invited into the class, Mrs. Neel has some advice. “Look over all available practice materials available from college boards; work hard in your classes, especially Math and English; and read, read, read.”
Junior Ella McCafferty gave us a student’s view of the class. “The PSAT class is a prep class. The whole semester is preparing you to take the test again. It works on reading comprehension, grammar, and math skills.” With only a semester to go through everything, it can be very easy for things to pile up and become stressful. “It is quite a bit of work because it is three different subjects. Having good communication with your teachers and classmates can help” McCafferty says. Despite all the work, the PSAT class can still be fun. Over the summer, the students go through a week-long PSAT camp, where they continue to learn while playing games and getting prizes. “My favorite thing about PSAT class is the books that we have gotten to read” McCafferty also stated.
The PSAT is also a great way to be recognized on a national level for scholarship money. Every year Hernando has a couple of senior students that are selected as National Merit Semi-Finalists. These students achieved this through academic success, as well as having an outstanding score on their PSAT. This year Madison Arnold, Sofia Hendricks, Joseph Lowther, Nicholas Trigg, and Riley Whitehead were recognized as Hernando’s semi-finalists. Congratulations to all of our second semester PSAT students and to our National Merit Semi-Finalists.
