How Was The Digital PSAT?

On Wednesday, October 15, students at VHHS faced a new challenge: the digital PSAT. It was conducted online via Bluebook and featured an adaptive structure. The reading and the math sections were split into two sections, and the difficulty of the second section was adjusted according to your performance in the first section.

While students waited outside their assigned rooms that morning, chatting and cramming, little did they know that the PSAT had a rocky start immediately. Five minutes before they took it, the test crashed nationwide! Amazingly, it was fixed, and there were hardly any issues during the test. Most students agreed that the software was “very good” or “excellent.” Test day was very organized, and most students were satisfied with the room assignments, proctors, and overall timing.

While many students were initially apprehensive about the unfamiliar format, the test was easier than expected due to the shorter questions and reading passages. According to most students, the test was boring, but most students felt confident and relieved after taking it. The shorter test timing and online tools (answer eliminator, timer, calculator, etc.) were the most favorite new features.

When asked about their favorite aspects of the online PSAT, students cited several features:

• “Being able to finish at your own pace compared to other classes.”

• “the timer at the top”

• “How easy it was”

• “Less questions”

• “The reading section or the break!”

• “The math since I had plenty of time for it.”

• “It was easier than expected.”

• “Saving time by not having to fill out answers on bubble sheet paper.”

When students were asked how the online PSAT could be improved, their responses were varied:

• “By extending the breaks”

• “there were a lot of directions and gadgets that I didn’t think were that necessary”

• “By making it harder”

• “I kind of don't like how everyone has different questions because it's unfair.”

• “I would study beforehand next time”

• “Not sure it was overall not too bad. The only problem was a weirdly worded reading and writing question.”

• “allow us to login beforehand and take practice tests.”

Most students felt the PSAT was essential and had goals to qualify for National Merit or prepare for the SAT. Most students studied with practice tests, prep books, and videos. Popular resource recommendations included Gohar’s guide, YouTube shorts for test tips, and Khan Academy’s official practice tests.

Overall, the online format made the test more approachable, and many students now look forward to the possibilities that future digital testing may bring. In preparation for their educational journeys beyond high school, these students are embracing the changes the digital world has to offer.