<p>Hi!</p>
<p>I always thought all of these tests were far ahead of me... then I read that one should take the PSAT at the beginning of sophomore year and started panicking. No teacher, advisor, etc. ever mentioned the PSAT to us as freshmen, but apparantely I should be studying for it right now. I've done a bit of research on it and am still worried. Should I take it this October? Can I retake it if I don't do well?</p>
<p>SAT... the big one. I'm terrified, but I'm pretty sure that it isn't until junior year (though I know several people who have taken it already... yikes!) When should I start studying? Would you recommend taking it early? What about practice SAT tests?</p>
<p>Also, as far as SAT II's go, which ones should I take/which ones am I required to take? I heard that after an AP exam, you should take the corresponding SAT Subject Test. Considering our school only offers one AP class for sophomores (APUSH,) does this mean I should take the U.S. History SAT II in May as well?</p>
<p>MME: This is for all of you Michiganders out there... does anyone know about this test?</p>
<p>As far as the ACT goes, I know our school requires us to do the ACT Plan this coming year, and we did the ACT Explore in two years ago. Does anyone else know about the Plan/what it consists of?</p>
<p>Aah, too many acronyms! Help, please?</p>
<p>You should take the PSAT as a sophomore, but the score counts for nothing. It is good practice and no need to study or stress.</p>
<p>The best first time to take the SAT is in October of Jr. year; any earlier than that is excessive, IMHO. But taking it the same month as the PSAT for real in Oct of JR. year makes good use of your study time.</p>
<p>Yes, take the SATII related to the APs you take in the May/June of the year right when the course is ending. That is when you will know the material the best. </p>
<p>Can’t help you on MME or ACT pursuant to state requirements.</p>
<p>AS far as the SAT II goes, I agree that you should take the US History one that May or June, but if it’s not a strong subject of yours, you should take a SAT II in a subject your stronger in Junior year. Alot of people also take a SAT II in science in June after they complete a certain science course (Bio, Physics, Chem). But really you should only take the ones that are your best subjects.</p>
<p>As for the PSAT and SAT, I was in the same position you were in. No teachers/guidances counselors said nothing sophomore year. So i took it junior year in october which was fine. And then during the same year, the SAT is offered many times so there is no problem taking several of them that year. As long as you don’t wait til the end of Junior year to take your first SAT, you should be fine. </p>
<p>Dont worry too early about this stuff, enjoy your sophomore year, cause junior year is terrible lol.</p>
<p>Good advice from UT. Adding a few more things.</p>
<p>Agree with UT that PSAT score for sophomore counts for nothing. Just sign up and take it for practice. PSAT score for junior counts only for National Merit Scholar which might possibily get you some scholarship.</p>
<p>There is no need to study for PSAT for junior year either since it is similar to the SAT with a few less sections. Study for the SAT summer before junior year and you will be prepared for both SAT and PSAT.</p>
<p>Even though the AP test and SAT subject test have different format, they are based on the same material. So if you spend the time to study for AP US in May, you might as well take the SAT Subject test in May also. So you just need to study once for both test. The only additional work you need to do is familiarize yourself with the different tests. AP has free response questions in addition to multiple choice. SAT subject is multiple choice only and is more detail.</p>
<p>Most colleges accept both SAT and ACT. If you plan to take SAT and do well, then you don’t have to take ACT. Otherwise, try the ACT also.</p>
<p>Forgot about the SAT II Subject tests.</p>
<p>For most colleges, they are optional. Many top colleges require or recommand 2 subject tests and a few (very few) want 3.</p>
<p>Take you strongest subjects unless the colleges you are interested in have specific requirements. If you plan to major in engineering/science, then be sure to take math II and at least one science. Otherwise just choose the ones you think you can do best in.</p>
<p>PSAT: The reason to take the PSAT as a soph is because it is good practice for your junior year when the PSAT is also the NMSQT. It doesn’t count for anything other than a good indication :)</p>
<p>SAT: I would recommend taking the SAT twice your junior year (fall/winter and spring) as opposed to the once junior, once senior year advice I’ve heard. If you want to start taking it now you can, but it should be just for practice because you will probably get your best score at the end of junior year. Also, I’ve heard that people who retake the SAT/ACT more than twice don’t significantly improve their score. </p>
<p>As far as studying goes, the more you study and the more practice tests you take the better off you will be. My opinion is that you shouldn’t start studying before the summer before your junior year because it can get to be overkill.</p>
<p>*Good advice in the other post about studying for PSAT/SAT fall of junior year simultaneously. Most people don’t realize how important NMS stuff can be until it’s too late.</p>
<p>SAT 2s: You should take the US history test this spring. If your taking chemistry/biology/physics I would recommend taking that test as well. You can never have too many subject tests to choose from when the time comes to apply. Don’t make the mistake I did of thinking that these tests will be a piece of cake if you took the class… I would recommend studying.</p>
<p>The PLAN is exactly like the ACT in that it has a English section (similar to critical writing), Math, Reading, and Science, except each section in a condensed version of the real thing and designed for specifically for sophomores. No essay writing on the PLAN. The PLAN unlike the PSAT counts for absolutely nothing besides an indication of where you might be for the ACT. If you do better on the PLAN than the PSAT you might want to focusing on the ACT rather than the SAT.</p>
<p>Don’t worry too much about it this year. Next summer is when you want to kick in to test studying. I would spend this year looking at colleges and making a list that interest you and that you want to visit. I don’t know anyone who regretted starting early on their college search 
Hope this helps.</p>
<p>The PLAN is a shorter, more simple version of the ACT. I recommend you take it when your school administers it. It predicted my actual ACT score very well.</p>
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<p>I disagree with this, just a little bit. Part of the reason to take practice tests is to get a feel for the length of time they give you for the various sections. That teaches you how much time you have, and allows you to pace yourself. For that reason, I think you should take practice PSAT tests before you take it for keeps as a junior.</p>
<p>But in terms of the content, it is exactly correct that studying SAT content also prepares you for the PSAT.</p>