I'm scheduled to take both the PSAT and ACT this October. Which should I prioritize?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

Obligatory I live in the southern U.S. where the ACT is much more prominent.

I don’t know if I plan on taking the SAT. The colleges I’m considering applying to next year definitely don’t require it. I know the PSAT is some sort of preparatory version, and it also qualifies students for scholarships and whatnot, but honestly, I feel like I need to be studying for the ACT much more.

Every student in my school is scheduled to take the PSAT this October. I also signed up for the October ACT, and as of late, I’ve been studying daily - a different subject every day, and a full practice test every Saturday. I’ve been averaging high 20s and low 30s on the practice tests, with English and Math being my stronger ones and Reading and Science as what I need to improve on.

So how important will my PSAT scores be? At the very least, I’ll get a study book and go through it, take some practice tests and whatnot, but probably nowhere near how much I’m studying for the ACT. Should I continue with that plan, or should I take the PSAT more seriously?

2

Put it this way, there is only one chance for junior PSA5 that may potentially give you many scholarships.

3

PSAT taken in the junior year is the only chance you have for qualifying for National Merit scholarships. I would focus on that. You can always take the ACT again if you don’t get the score you anticipate.

These days, colleges and universities accept both SAT and ACT, even if high schools in some regions push one test over another.

Finally, there is a lot of overlap between the two tests. So studying for one will help with the other.

There are lots of free resources for PSAT/SAT preparation on line, with Khan Academy being the most obvious.

Good luck!