The announcement about the PSAT has been continuous for two weeks, as Oct. 2 was the last day for purchasing the PSAT for $20. However, many students have been murmuring in the hallways to their classmates the same questions: What is the PSAT? Do I need to take it? Should I consider taking the PSAT?

According to the Clark Website, the PSAT is the Preliminary SAT that is offered to tenth grade and eleventh grade students. The PSAT test will be administered at Clark on Oct.15, during first and third periods.

While there are numerous benefits for taking the PSAT, one in particular stands out and appeals to most students: scholarships. According to the College Board, juniors can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship and get helped financially if they take the PSAT. The PSAT also helps students get familiar with what the SAT looks like.

According to counselor Karine Turdjian, students become familiar with the SAT format once they take the PSAT. “The PSAT should be considered by juniors, especially, and they can qualify for a scholarship and get a financial ‘full ride,’’ Turdjian said. She also encouraged tenth graders to take the PSAT because they could get an idea of what they are in for in their upcoming year.

“In the last couple of years we have had one national and one semifinalist scholarship and they got their entire education cost covered,” Turdjian said. Senior Ericka Shin was named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist based upon her PSAT score last year. Turdjian also encouraged students to download apps on their smartphones, such as Word of The Day. Information on our school website can also help, as well as Khan Academy and online practice tests, according to Turdjian.

While the SAT costs as much $80, the PSAT costs $20, according to counseling clerk Becky Bondy, which is $5 less than Crescenta Valley High School.

Junior Patrick Castro, who took his PSAT sophomore year, said he was looking forward to his second take as a junior. “I think some benefits are time management skills and being prepared,” Castro said. Castro also took an extra class in L.A that helped his score go up 200 points. Additionally, he purchased books for the SAT. “I don’t feel so stressed out for the SAT after this,” he said. “I feel more confident.”

According to Clark counselors, sophomores are also encouraged to take the PSAT. Sophomore Eunice Ramilo said one benefit of the PSAT were preparing tenth graders for what to expect junior year. “I am going to remember as much as I can from school,” she said. She wants to review as much as she can before taking her PSAT.