BY CHRISTINA NOLL – It’s time for the freshman, sophomores and juniors of CHS to sharpen their #2 pencils and break out their “thinking caps” because the PSAT testing date for CHS is just a few days away. Students will take PSAT, an annual multiple-choice exam to prepare them for the SAT and ACT, on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

The test examines students’ skills in math, critical reading and writing and has a total possible score of 240. The results of the PSATs also determine juniors’ eligibility for National Merit Scholarship awards. To be considered, students are required to score at least a 224.

The Class of 2018 will be only the third freshman class at Communications to take the PSAT. While they know their scores are merely for test-taking experience, the freshmen still plan on working hard.

“It’s going to help us practice. It’s hard, but it’s not like you’re going to fail,” said freshman Skye Howes of Millstone.

Members of the Class of 2016 are attacking this year’s PSATs with a new-found determination. The juniors’ scores will reflect how they will do on the SATs they will take throughout this year and the beginning of the next school year. Many CHS students have made their best efforts to remain level-headed about the testing.

“There’s no way I’d get a 224,” said junior Samantha Dellis of Spring Lake. “I’m still going to try my best and do well, though.”