As sophomores are thinking about signing up for the upcoming PPSAT or PSAT simulation on March 7, all that comes to mind is how overwhelmingly early it is to be thinking about taking a test for college in your sophomore year.

The purpose of the PPSAT, as described by Westport Continuing Education, is to “take a timed practice PSAT under realistic conditions [and] learn about your strengths and weaknesses on this important test.” The scores that you receive on this test can help you decide whether taking the SAT or ACT is right for you.

However, taking the PPSAT is a hindrance to school by causing unneeded stress, especially when you’re just settling into your high school career. As a junior, I was one of the few in my grade who chose not to take the PPSAT sophomore year, yet I was still able to prepare for and select the right standardized test for me.

As time goes on, more schools are questioning and deemphasizing the importance of standardized tests. According to fairtest.org, more than 160 schools are now test optional.

Taking the PPSAT is starting to seem unnecessary. There’s already enough anxiety around the college process. Starting sophomore year would lengthen that experience, which Alix Sommers ’16 able to prepare for and select the As time goes on, more starting to seem unnecessary. There’s already enough anxiety around the college process. Starting sophomore year would lengthen that experience, which would ultimately make it more dreadful.

The time to focus on standardized testing is during the beginning of junior year when the PSAT is offered. According to collegeboard.org, the PSAT helps students become college ready. Since it’s a preparation for the SAT, it’s nonsensical to prepare for the preparation.

The high school years are high growth years. Teenagers are not only physically changing, interests and social skills are developing. Sophomore year isn’t the year to determine what standardized test is best. It is the time to mature in your role as a high schooler. Pursuing challenging courses, clubs, sports and activities is a better use of time.

The stress, the cost and the distraction from high school classes and activities comes at a high price, and it doesn’t need to be that way. You can successfully fi nd the right standardized test without taking the PPSAT. high growth years. Teenagers are not only physically changing, interests and social skills are developing. Sophomore year isn’t the year to determine what standardized test is best. It is the time to mature in your role as a high schooler.