<p>I think I'll do better on the ACT (I got a 31 in 8th grade with like a week of studying), but I'll definitely have to prepare for the PSAT. If I'm putting in the effort to study for the PSAT, should I just take the SAT? Or should I take both tests? And I've also heard that if you are being considered for being a National Merit Finalist, then you have to take the SAT in your senior year. Is that correct?</p>
<p>Oh and BTW does anyone recommend Barron’s Aiming for a 36/2400??</p>
<p>I think you should take both tests. While some people have gotten semifinalist status with SAT scores, that is usually because they were unable to take the PSAT. If you can take both tests, then go ahead.
Also, if you get a high enough PSAT score, there is a certain time frame (~2 years) in which you can take the SAT. This time frame runs through the December test of your senior year of high school. For example, for the class of 2013, semifinalists could take the SAT from the October test date in 2010 to the December test date in 2012.
I’ve used both books as well. I haven’t taken the SAT yet, but the tips for the ACT were pretty helpful. If you’re looking for prep books and have the cash, then why not? Anyway, good luck with your studying.</p>
<p>Thanks! And just to clarify, you can choose which test(s) colleges will see right? Can you choose to send only the ACT or SAT? (Or particular test dates for that matter?)</p>
<p>For the ACT, you can choose any test date you want. The SAT has a thing called Score Choice, and if the colleges that you are thinking of applying to allow it, then you can do essentially the same thing. You can also choose to send only the ACT or SAT.
There are some schools that require you to send all of your scores though. Each school has their own rules with standardized tests, which can be found on their sites.</p>