The PSAT this past week connected students from all different grades and backgrounds through a common experience and inspired humor on social media platforms.

Last Wednesday, October 16, the juniors, sophomores, and even freshman of Thousand Oaks High School filled the I and J building classrooms, preparing to take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test, or the PSAT.

Although only juniors were exempt from the exam fee, a surprising amount of sophomores applied for the PSAT.

“I took the PSAT mainly so I could understand what I scored and based off of that, if I needed to additionally study to get the National Merit Scholarship in eleventh grade,” said sophomore Anushka Shah. “I also did it because it was a requirement for The Center.”

Besides taking the PSAT as practice for the National Merit Scholarship, many sophomores took it as preparation for the SAT that they would need to take as juniors. 

“I think I improved from last year, and it definitely helped that in my AVID class we do practice problems and practice tests,” said sophomore Katelynn Torres. “If I hadn’t done the PSAT I would have been overwhelmed at the SAT so I would say it helped.”

Some students, however, felt they did not benefit at all from the PSAT, and still others who wanted a chance to improve were unable to take the exam due to the limited spaces available.

“I think it’s unreasonable that they said the deadline is on Friday and then said that they were sold out on the announcements that day. At no point did they say it was a first come first serve basis,” said sophomore Melika Bagheri.

After the test, students all over the U.S. expressed relief and humor on social media. Instagram and Twitter filled with memes poking fun at the College Board and the questions on the test. All types of Lancers could connect over a similar experience, reminding the students of Thousand Oaks High School of their common ground.