<p>I took the PSAT in my sophomore year and was unsatisfied with my score(181) . So during the summer of my upcoming junior year, I studied voraciously and managed to raise my score(200-210). However, I signed up for the ACT thinking I would perform better on it than the SAT/PSAT. But I have trouble managing my time. I also do poorly in the science section. In a practice test I score about 30. However I want to earn the National Merit Scholarship and have trouble finding time to study for the PSAT/SAT since Im currently focused on the ACT. Should i focus on ACT or SAT? Or am I discouraged from the ACT because I am not accustomed to it? Tips and Advice will be much appreciated.</p>
<p>** I score about 30 overall on the ACT</p>
<p>The PSAT date is soon, right? Concentrate on that now, since it counts for National Merit.</p>
<p>Then start looking at taking both the SAT and ACT in the spring, so that you can consider retaking the better one in the fall if you are not satisfied with your scores.</p>
<p>^ Correct. You should not be focusing on the ACT now. The PSAT is what counts most at the moment.</p>
<p>Study for the PSAT now. Take the SAT after that. Once you’re satisfied with your SAT score, move on to the ACT in the spring.</p>
<p>Agree with all of the above - the PSAT is the most important test you’ll take! Focus on that, and then follow up with the SAT. If you still want to try the ACT, do it in the spring.</p>
<p>I’d focus on the PSAT/SAT for now. If you study for the exam and are still not satisfied with your score, then try the ACT. I believe the ACT has more time pressure than the SAT so if that is an issue it may not be the better choice for you.</p>
<p>Ok. Thank you all for the advice . Anyone know the score that I should aim for on the PSAT to get merit?</p>
<p>Threshold scores: [National</a> Merit Scholarships](<a href=“http://www.collegeplanningsimplified.com/NationalMerit.html]National”>http://www.collegeplanningsimplified.com/NationalMerit.html)</p>
<p>Thank you very much!</p>
<p>Focus more on PSAT/SAT, but take ACT anyway. That’s what I did and ironically ended up with higher score on my ACT. </p>
<p>(More specifically, however, I studied a lot for PSAT/SAT until January (a good chunk of time) and then would just switch off between prepping for SAT and ACT depending on which was coming up next).</p>
<p>if you don’t mind me asking , how did you improve your science score on the ACT?</p>
<p>So science is judas to me lol. I would have a 35 if the damn thing didn’t exist lol. My sub-scores were 35, 35, 34 and then 28 science lol so I am probably not the best person to ask, but my honest belief is the best thing you can really do is just take practice tests to adjust your pace. I also believe that completing AP (or at least more) science classes is the other best prep method. Although others will dispel that theory, arguing it is not knowledge based, I disagree. The thing is packed with jargon that becomes quite easy if you are familiar with it. I know this because I did significantly better after taking chem. I mean c’mon, is it really a coincidence that the best science students also tend to get the best ACT science scores? Doubt it. </p>
<p>Soooooo those would be my two pieces of advice. But if you can’t get the hang of it, just focus on everything else because the other sections are more easily studied IMO so ace those and you’ll still be able to snag a good composite. GL</p>
<p>“Agree with all of the above - the PSAT is the most important test you’ll take! Focus on that, and then follow up with the SAT. If you still want to try the ACT, do it in the spring.”</p>
<p>This is simply completely and utterly wrong… Many colleges that had generous national merit finalist scholarships are phasing them out (USC for example), and the PSAT has little to no role in college admissions.</p>