What’s the secret to your success?
Benjamin Butler: A lot of studying. The PSAT class helped me a lot.
Connor Doolittle: It’s honestly Mrs. [Amanda] Thompson & Ms. [Kelly] Blake. They really helped me to prepare for the test.
 
How do you feel about being a semifinalist?
Butler: It’s a really good feeling, it’s an honor.
Doolittle: It’s an honor because only two people at our school got it and it’s only one of 16,000 in the country.
 
Do you have a pre-test ritual?
Butler: No, not really. I just get nervous.
Doolittle: No.
 
What advice do you have for the upcoming underclassmen?
Butler: Just study, if you have the opportunity to take the class then take it. Take as many practice tests as you can.
Doolittle: Think about what’s important to you and really seek out opportunities to improve your grades or test scores.
 
Highlight, underline or neither?
Butler: Neither. I just try to read as quickly as I can but still get the full understanding.
Doolittle: Neither. I make notes on the side.
 
What’s the hardest part of the test?
Butler: The reading section.
Doolittle: For me it’s reading. It’s easier to think logically than critically and it’s not so straight forward.

What’s a good strategy for taking the test?
Butler: Skip any questions that you aren’t sure on and just come back to them. You gotta be quick, if you don’t know the answer right away then just come back to it.
Doolittle: Pace yourself and keep track of how much time you have left.