<p>D2 took the ACT with writing in April as a sophomore and got a 35 composite. Totally not expected. She also took 2 subject tests this month...750 Math 2 and 740 in Literature.
Her PSAT results last fall were not stupendous...in the 200 range...so I suspect her SAT will fall around that range (2000-2100).</p>
<p>So...I am guessing she should prepare a little and see how she does on the PSAT as a junior...when it could count for NMSF. But...should she even bother with the SAT??? Many schools want ALL tests you have taken...and I am not sure an SAT would add anything to her standardized testing...</p>
<p>PSAT of 200 sophmore year probably means a 2300+ SAT junior year, if she studies efficiently. Just motivate her to start studying now (but don’t force her!).</p>
<p>No. No point. 35 ACT is good enough for any school in the nation- if she doesn’t get in, it won’t be because of that. She will need several more 750+ subject tests though (especially since math 2 is 740).</p>
<p>If your D2 wants to qualify for NMF, then she will need to take the SAT to validate her PSAT score (assuming she qualifies for NMSF) and actually qualify for Finalist. It won’t matter for this what score she got on her ACT. Also, my D got a 2170 on her SAT, then a 35 on her ACT and her GC told her she should take the SAT again anyway.</p>
<p>Depending on your financial situation and choice of colleges, a high PSAT score (216+) junior year followed up by a decent SAT score (2100+) could be worth $10,000 a year or more in merit scholarship money, perhaps even a free ride.</p>
<p>My son applied to our state flagship, UIUC, and several top-20 colleges. UIUC awarded him a $15,000/year 4-year scholarship – these were awarded to ACT 35s and 36s. There was a separate award for another $10,000 a year that was only available to SAT test-taker NMSFs. It was possible to win both (CC contributor Silverturtle did), but my son had not taken the SAT.</p>
<p>In our case, the financial aid from the elite schools (Brown, Williams, Amherst and Northwestern) made all of them cheaper than UIUC with merit scholarships. But for families in the $75-150k/year income range, going for the NMSF merit scholarship at a state flagship could save you $100k or more over the course of 4 years, while still providing a quality education.</p>
<p>The top-20 colleges, of course, don’t offer merit scholarships</p>
<p>If you are asking whether there is any reason to take the PSAT and then the SAT other than for NMF scholarship purposes, the amswer is no. For admission, colleges readily accept either the SAT or ACT. But the possible scholarship is a reason to proceed although taking the PSAT first in junior year would be the better course to assure the PSAT score is good enough to qualify for NMF before taking the SAT.</p>