<p>I will be a sophomore next year and I am confused about the SAT/AT process. I have done some research and I feel that I am leaning towards the ACT but I am wondering do I still need to take the PSAT and the SAT II along with the ACT? At about what time in my high school career should I take these tests? Also, I am shooting for Ivy league, Stanford, MIT etc. as I have gotten a 4.0 this year, #1 class rank, and finishing my Eagle Scout at 15 as well as more. My minimum goal for the ACT would be a 34, does this sound about right? If I were to get a lower score would it be ok to retake it? Do I have to submit all of my ACT scores? if I do, what is the point of retaking the ACT if colleges can see my previous bad score? Thanks for your help in advance.</p>
<p>Take a practice test – that is the only way your will know what a reasonable projected score would be. Stanford does require that you report all of your scores, but not all colleges do. Each college or university has their own requirements for score reporting and what additional tests you need to take. Hope that helps.</p>
<p>I recommend that you take the PSAT, SAT, and ACT before you graduate if you want to get into a high level college. The PSAT for national merit, and the SAT and ACT in-case you do better on one than the other.
Usually you only submit the highest ACT score.</p>
<p>I am an incoming junior myself (thus, do not take my advice too seriously) but for me, it seemed the best time to take ACT was this summer, or a year from now for you. The summer is a good time for the scores because you have recently finished a full year of classes but still have some time to rest before the test starts. I am planning to take SAT at the beginning of the coming year, however, it would probably be better to take that around the same time you take the ACT for the first time.</p>
<p>If I were you I would take the PSAT this October (as a sophomore) to see how you do, and take it again as a junior to aim for being a National Merit Scholar. I suggest studying for the PSAT your junior year because it can be really easy to get a higher score with even just a few days of studying (though I would suggest more than just a few days). The problem with the PSAT is that no one studies for it because of when it is.
Also, start taking the ACT (or SAT) right now. I would suggest focusing on whichever test is more popular in your area (for me it is the ACT) so that you could possibly attend free prep sessions if they are offered by your score, and so local and state colleges that are ‘safe’ scores will be fine with the test you chose to take.
I would also suggest taking the SAT fairly soon if you do want to be a National Merit Scholar. I’ve never taken it (I’m an incoming senior), and I wish I would have before I have to take it for NMS.
Though I suggest taking both at least once, you should choose a test to focus on raising your score. For me it was the ACT, and I’m really only taking the SAT for NMS.
A 34 is a great goal (that is what I have) and if you don’t get it the first time it’s fine to take it again. I got a 34 on the June test after my sophomore year, and it was my fourth ACT. I’m not really sure how colleges feel about past ACT scores but I would suggest not taking it every time, which would just frustrate you and psych you out. What I did was take it every year since 7th grade and I improved over time, which hopefully looks good to colleges. Taking it every time it is offered and showing little to no improvement/fluctuating scores probably doesn’t look very good.
Hopefully my advice is helpful! If you have any questions, just let me know. It’s nice to see a fellow Eagle Scout (and equally high achieving person) here. I also got my Eagle at 15, have a 34, will hopefully be a Nation Merit Semifinalist, and is high in class (not number one, but I went to a private school my freshmen year and I have less credits than my classmates).</p>
<p>PSAT - mainly good for NMF status, which is good for scholarships (for certain schools) as well as looks good on applications. Do as suggested ^ and take it sophomore year (your score won’t count for NMF until you’re a junior, but it’s good practice). If you do well, you’ll likely do well on the SAT also.
SAT/ACT - depends on your strengths. Take a practice test of each. SAT has critical reading, writing, and math, while the ACT has English, math, reading, and science. While a bright student will do well on both, he or she may do better on one than the other. Both include an essay portion, take it even though it’s “optional” because most schools require it. Generally you report your highest score, although different colleges have different rules for applicants.</p>
<p>And as you’re looking into Ivy League, consider which SAT subject tests you want to take.
Usually you take them in subjects related to your intended major, or subjects you excel in. Many colleges require these (Harvard, MIT, etc).</p>
<p>Good luck! You’ve still got a lot of time, just keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll be fine.</p>
<p>Take PLAN and PSAT in Sophomore. You don’t really need to prepare for that as it would be just for self evaluation purpose. After that, you can prepare for both SAT and ACT in the Summer after sophomore. Try a couple PSAT practice test before October of Junior. The PSAT in Junior is your only chance for Nation Merit Scholar status. If you are thoroughly prepared over the Summer, you should be doing fine in that. And you should be ready for SAT1 and ACT. I suggest to take both as you never know which one your will do better in a real test. Try to finish taking them by Spring of Junior (including retake if necessary). Leave April for AP preparation and prepare for June subject test after AP exams. Then you are all set for college applications in standardized test requirement.</p>
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No. There’s isn’t any significant correlation between GPA and ACT score.</p>