New requirements for PSATs and SATs have been implemented on Branham’s campus for Sophomores and Juniors.

The PSAT 10 is a test taken by sophomores to prepare them for the official PSAT in their Junior year. The PSAT has a similar structure to the SAT; a standard test covering topics of English and math. Both the PSAT and SAT tests can boost college applications, which stresses juniors, sophomores and even seniors.

Assistant Principal David Levy explains that rather than hosting it as an optional test for students, every sophomore in the district was automatically required to take it this year.

“It was decided that this would be an opportunity to potentially foster additional college awareness on the process for application,” Levy said. “It’s making more students aware of what’s out there and what’s available.”

Levy expressed how the large number of students taking the PSAT 10 this year has been strenuous on teachers and staff as well.

“It was a big challenge because we have roughly 400 students taking it, so we [were] figuring out how to make that happen,” Levy said.

Branham Counselor Isabella Magana explained how the pandemic spiked test-optional changes in application requirements in the majority of public schools.

“Most colleges changed their testing policies during the pandemic because many students could not safely access testing centers,” Magana said. “Since then, schools have continued reevaluating whether standardized tests are the best measure of student success.”

According to Georgetown University, there are “more than 1,000 colleges and universities have gone test-optional in recent years, with many citing concerns that the SAT and ACT exacerbate racial and ethnic disparities in educational access.”  And after the COVID-19 pandemic, that number has grown as tests were postponed.

Unlike public schools, private institutions still typically require SAT submissions. Junior Graciela Ebner, who took the SAT twice, wanted to try to improve her score by taking it a second time when a few private schools sparked her interest.

“After March, I had toured a couple [of] colleges that I ended up really liking, and out of the five I toured, two do require SAT scores,” Ebner said. “I [knew I was going to] take a second one and try.”

Ebner recognized the important aspects of taking the SAT, but she doesn’t view it as a determining factor for a student’s readiness for college.

“The stuff that you do before the SAT kind of shows you where you’re at in terms of being ready for college and AP testing,” Ebner said. “If you’re willing to sit down and study for it, and understand what you got wrong or what you got right, then it’s good prep. But I don’t think the test itself [will make or break your decision], you’re nearly half the qualities you’re gonna need when you’re moving on in life.”

Although Ebner said she didn’t let the pressures get to her, she experienced her peers holding themselves to very high expectations for the PSAT and SAT.

“I had a lot of friends who were studying so much trying to get a good score, and it was really stressing them out,” Ebner said. “I had some friends who were barely sleeping.” 

Magana also emphasized how the pressure of these tests impacts sleep. She recognized how lack of sleep and self-care due to the PSAT and SAT stress can further affect a student’s physical and mental well-being.

“Staying up late, trying to cram for the exam, being stressed with their schedule and trying to balance test prep with homework and extracurriculars [can cause poor sleep],” Magana said. “Poor sleep affects students’ memory, concentration, overall mood and academic performance.”

Although it can be strenuous, Magana highlighted how standardized testing does not define a student’s pathway beyond high school.

“Everyone’s journey looks different, and we hope rising seniors give themselves grace during the college application season,” Magana said.

Illustration by Irene Yoon/Special to Bear Witness