On Wednesday, Oct. 13, the juniors at Huntley High School took the Preliminary SAT following Monday and Tuesday off of school. Seniors were given the Wednesday off, extending their break. On the cloudy and cold morning, Juniors filed into their testing rooms with two pencils and a calculator.

Unlike a typical Wednesday at the high school, it was not a late start day, as the test started at 7:30 a.m. The students first took the reading exam, followed by the writing and language, and finally math. After the tests ended at approximately 11:50 a.m., juniors went to 6th-period lunch and proceeded to 7th and 8th-hour classes like normal.

“I thought it was actually pretty organized. I think that the teachers and staff did a great job, and I think it was actually pretty easy to do with all the instructions,” junior Brooke Garcia said.

Last year, some extra precautions were taken due to coronavirus, but this year, instructions were much more predictable.

“Everything is basically back to normal, nothing is affected by [the] coronavirus this year.” said PSAT coordinator Karen Langhenry.

Between each exam, students were given a five-minute break where they were provided with juice boxes and cookies. Ther breaks were quick, and according to some students, so were the times given for each exam.

“I thought [the time] would be longer.” junior Allison Vanni said.

The reading was 60 minutes and 47 questions, the writing and language were 35 minutes and 44 questions, and the math was 70 minutes and 48 questions. Juniors are now prepared for the pace of the SAT, and once they receive their scores, they will have a better idea of what to study. For students who wanted to be extra prepared, a study guide was provided via email.

“[It also helps to pay] attention to your daily classes [like] your math, your science, [and] your English,” Langenry said.

She also said that a lot of students use Khan Academy to prepare themselves if they feel they need to.

After today’s experience, Juniors should be one step closer to preparing for the SAT next spring.