Hello, I’m a sophomore in high school and I’m currently very depressed. I just looked at my new PSAT score from this year and I got a 1140! A 1140! I can’t believe this, and I want to get into M.I.T! This won’t do. I scored a 610 on the Critical Reading and a 530 on Math. How can I work through this whole summer to improve this? Especially Math because I’m in the 90 percentile for my English score which isn’t bad. I’m going to get a tutor and use Kahn Academy any other sources? Additionally I’m trying to put myself out there. This summer I’m going to go to a high ranked university (looking at Harvard) to excel myself and I’m going to start a business as well (or attempt to at least). I’m also going to volunteer at my dads hospital (he went to MIT and Harvard) and do other things as well. As for school, I know reading this is depressing you too, I have done Science Olympiad and Key Club (volunteering). I’m going to do these, maybe robotics, NHS, etc to help my application as well. Academically, I have done as many advanced courses this year and last year (English Honors, Analytical Chemistry, Advanced Algebra 2) and next year I’ll have almost all AP courses. So far this year I’ve gotten nothing less than an A- in Marking Periods and Semesters and I wish to continue this (I’m taking no blow off classes either). This doesn’t look good, I know, but what can I do to improve to get myself to M.I.T? Thanks.
Not that you won’t get into MIT, you might, but you need to broaden your horizons. MIT rejects Valedictorians and perfect SATs every year. That basket is VERY TINY. Don’t put all your eggs in it. Statistically, they’re likely to break.
I wouldn’t worry too much! I scored 1250 on my PSAT as a sophomore (I think it was 670 R & 580 M) and 1450 as a junior (720 R & 730 M). I got 1490 on my actual SAT & would have retaken it, but I got a 35 on my ACT and stopped. I hadn’t done Algebra II by October of sophomore year, which is what caused my low math score, and I think your reading just naturally improves as you become exposed to more English. I know tons of people who went from ~1100 to >1450. It’s not the end of the world.
Don’t map your ecs around what you think will look impressive. Do what you love and are passionate about, and your accomplishments will then become much more impressive.
i got a 1240 PSAT up to a 1480 PSAT, don’t worry it can be done. Im nothing special as well, if I can then you can.
Thank you all so much 
If it’s any consolation, I was in your exact situation a few years ago. As a sophomore in high school, my parents forced me to take the SAT. After being lectured every day by my father about the importance of the exam, I was thoroughly stressed out on the day of the test. I started in the wrong section, completely blanked on the math, and ended up with a 1500 for my first sitting (this was the old exam - a 1500 on the old test is around the 50th percentile). I quickly realized, however, that SAT scores are meaningless. I promise you that an 1140 on your sophomore PSAT is completely okay - the SAT measures your ability to take tests rather than your intelligence. After receiving my abysmal SAT score, I decided to sit down and study for my retake. I took the new exam and got a 1530 (99th percentile) just by calming myself down mentally. I applied to MIT & was rejected unfortunately, but I’m going to Duke instead. Try studying for the exam through Khan Academy videos, and you might end up at MIT after all (even though SAT scores are only a tiny component of your MIT application)
The first time I took the PSAT (as a sophomore), I got a 490 (Verbal) and 560 (Writing). The 2nd time I took the PSAT (during the redesign as a Junior), I got a 550 (Verbal). Even though this is a predictor, your real SAT score will be much higher since you will be doing tons of studying and practice. On my last time taking the SAT, I boosted my score to a 680 in EBWR. This balanced with my 790 in Math for total of 1470.
Test scores are important and are definitely considered, but no one gets admitted for their test scores. Keep up the scores. MIT wants to see the whole person, from your extracurriculars to your essays to your interview. They want to see your character. Have you ever worked in a team, and if so, how did you develop team building, goal setting, time and project management, and leadership? Don’t be afraid to follow your passions, but remember to work hard since you are determined!