<p>Hi, I'm a sophomore in high school and i was wondering if anyone had any extracurricular suggestions for ivy league applications. I plan to gather 200+ volunteer hours at the local hospital, four varsity letters, and several school clubs (chem, pre-med, NHS, etc.). I realize that I have no leadership positions. Also, my PSAT scores (58CR/65M/55W) were were very low and I was wondering if anyone had advice as how to study for the SAT which I will take for the first time this year. Thanks</p>
<p>There is a forum on SAT prep, see the sticky threads at the top of them for good info.</p>
<p>Also, given your current PSAT scores and interest in selective colleges, I would highly recommend reconsidering taking the SAT this year. Some schools do not permit score choice and taking the SAT as few times as possible is recommended. Once is great, twice fine, three about the max.</p>
<p>My advice is to prep for next year’s PSAT which counts towards NM (it is essentially like prepping for the SAT except that the math is a little easier and there is no essay). Take the PSAT as a jr, see where you have to prep more, then take the SAT relatively early in jr year (eg. Jan), and retake in May or June if necessary.</p>
<p>If you are taking preCalc or any AP classes, soph year would be a great time to take some Subject tests.</p>
<p>Ok, thanks. I am in PreCalc so should I take the Math II subject test? Also I intend to take the Bio E test later this year (I’m in AP Bio). Is AP Statistics useful for the SAT?</p>
<p>Yes, this would be a good time to take the Math 2. Go to the CB website and you will see the subjects covered and some practice questions.</p>
<p>Definitely take one of the Bios if you are taking AP Bio. The AP tests generally are more comprehensive than the Subject tests so little if any additional study is necessary. Again go to the CB website to see what the different Bio tests cover.</p>
<p>Also check out the AP Test and Subject test prep forums here on CC.</p>
<p>Do ECs that you enjoy, not ECs that you think will get you into college. The former end up becoming the ones that look best on an application.</p>
<p>In addition to the SAT be sure to take the ACT. Some students do significantly better on one or the other. My son found the ACT easier because it was shorter. He scored significantly higher on the ACT. It is worth sitting through both tests once and then deciding which one to retake.</p>
<p>Do what you love, and not what you think might look good.</p>
<p>Thanks all. I’ll be sure to take the ACT and I definitely will pursue the EC’s I enjoy.</p>