neatoburrito

I am trying to get a feel for how different schools approach the psat and how seriously the exam us taken.

If you took the test during the school day...
1. Could you hear the bells?
2. Were you put in a room that was quiet or could you hear all the other students who weren't taking the test changing classes, going to their lockers, etc?
3. What was the general attitude of the kids and teachers about the test, "It's just practise for the sat so it doesn't really matter" or " This could be a big deal and everyone should do their best"?
4. Is your school public or private?

stevepark

They turned off all the bells in our school; everyone was either taking the test or on a different schedule.
No one was changing classes, it was completely quiet during testing.
Most kids and teachers take it seriously, especially during junior year.
I go to a public school in Texas in (what we are told is) a good district.

rspence

This was from when I took the PSAT a few years ago.

1. Yes
2. I was able to hear some outside noises -- even though we don't have lockers, we have lots of rowdy middle and high school students in the same hallway.
3. I didn't really care much for the PSAT, most of the rest of the class probably didn't either.
4. Public (charter)

I did a lot of other tests in HS (Arizona's standardized test (AIMS), AP, AMC-AIME-USAMO) so I kind of got used to this. Basically, try to just ignore those noises as best as you can (earplugs?).

hebheb

1. We took it on a Saturday so only those who were taking the test were in the building. I think my school chose Saturday because we also have middle schoolers at our school and they could cause disruption in going to their classes.
2.The rooms were very quiet.
3.General attitude was that is is a very important test. Our college counselor strongly encouraged us to study for the test and strive for the NMS.
4. Charter.

huehuehue32

1. No, they were turned off for the whole building.
2. The room was very quiet. Seniors had the day off, Jr and Soph were testing, and Freshmen were at retreat.
3. It's taken seriously by all the teachers. We reviewed during classes and the school offers classes to previous high-scorers to try to get NM. We only had 4 scholars two years ago (very bad for our school), over 20 last year because now it is serious business.
4. Private (Catholic)

dzzallday

1. No - the grades that weren't taking the PSAT were on a field trip and they turned off the bus.
2. The room was quiet since everyone was taking the PSAT.
3. Everyone in the school just considered it practice - no one placed too much emphasis on it (except for a couple of kids). The teachers did take it seriously.
4. Public

neatoburrito

Thank you all for your responses so far. It is helpful.

tw97824

My school took it very seriously. I saw one person getting disqualified for asking for an eraser from the person in front of him.

Waymer

Our school doesn't have bells.
It was in the gym so all the Juniors could take it at the same time in the same room, but it was still very quiet despite the "echo-y" nature of gyms.
Most students are very serious about the PSAT.
Public (magnet)

tag3pam

1. No bells.
2. Everyone in grades 9-11 takes the test. Seniors watch a movie in the theatre and vote on Senior Superlatives.
3. 30-35 NMF each year, another 30-40 commended
4. Public