I’m currently a sophomore in high school and have already been preparing for what I need to do in the future. I was just wondering about some questions. I do online schooling, so I don’t necessarily have the counselor to help.
How important is taking the PSAT? Not looking to quality for the National Merit Scholarships.
How important is the ACT test and SAT test alone, but also together? I have heard a lot of people say that taking both tests is not necessary and not worth the time. I do know that the SAT is a required test to graduate, but it’s also something colleges want to see and I am going to take that. Do you have to take the ACT test, and how important is it to a college?
When should you take the SAT test? I believe I read that you can take it when you’re a Junior.
Thank you.
Hi there!
If you are not interested in the National Merit Scholarship. If you can afford to take the SAT multiple times to have a “practice” SAT, then there is no need to take the PSAT.
You do not need to take both tests. Any college will take either the ACT or SAT, no one requires both. The SAT is far more popular on the coasts compared to the ACT, while the ACT is predominately seen as the college entrance exam in the Midwest. If you are required to take the SAT for your online schooling, I would focus on that.
One of the reasons people take both tests is because they do better on the SAT vs the ACT or vice versa. If you don’t do how you want on the SAT, you might want try the ACT and see if it fits your style better. Otherwise, just the SAT will be just fine.
You can take the SAT anytime it is offered. Most people take it their junior year {and some into their senior year}, but you can certainly try it out before then if you want. Here is the SAT test dates: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/dates-deadlines
Hope that helps!
PSAT is useful as a practice for SAT - at least that is the idea. You can have a feel how the questions are styled and sections organized.