Online PSAT Poses Problems

The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) has been on paper since its inception in 1959. This year, however, the test was administered online through Bluebook, an application for online testing. Since the SAT is transitioning into a digital format in Spring of 2024, College Board wants to familiarize students with taking the test online. Priscilla Rodriguez, vice president of College Readiness Assessments at College Board, believes the online PSAT “will be easier to take, easier to give, and more relevant.” Others, however, are concerned about this decision.

English teacher Mrs. Simpson addressed some pros and cons of the test being online prior to students taking it. She voiced concerns about the short notice given to teachers informing them of the new testing arrangement. Some students worried whether they would have time to complete the test. Mrs. Simpson noted, “Students could have more time to answer questions because they would not need to worry about bubbling in the scantron, but they could also lose time using the annotating tools.” Students have also shared their concerns with Mrs. Simpson about looking at a screen for a prolonged period of time. She believes “it could possibly affect a student’s focus, depending on the student.” In addition, unlike previous years, the proctor will not be keeping time with the online test. “The timing will be interesting,” Mrs. Simpson said, “because each student’s clock will run individually.”

The new online test also contains 41 fewer questions than the paper test, leading some students to assume the remaining questions would be more challenging. However, Mrs. Simpson does not believe that 41 fewer questions will lead to an increased level of difficulty. She explains, “The PSAT usually has a certain percentage of questions with different levels of difficulty. This will most likely stay the same.” She also believes the online test will prevent grading mistakes made with the scantron. One specific advantage of the digital PSAT that Mrs. Simpson emphasized was that students would receive their scores in weeks instead of months. Quicker results will relieve students’ stress and allow them more time to prepare for next year’s PSAT or SAT.

Ninth through eleventh graders from Charlotte Catholic took the online PSAT on October 11. Due to the number of students nationwide taking the test, Bluebook experienced technical difficulties. Providence Day was forced to reschedule the test because they were unable to successfully connect to the platform. CCHS experienced similar problems and administration emailed parents about a testing delay due to the proctors’ difficulty in accessing the “Test Day Toolkit.” For the most part, the testing ran smoothly, with few Wi-Fi problems or technical difficulties once the test started.

Regardless of people’s opinions of the digital PSAT, College Board has made it clear they will continue to administer all of their tests online. Before spring’s SAT, they will fix the problems students encountered while testing. Students will have to adjust to online college admissions testing, since they will be taking it for the foreseeable future.

Credit: College Board