Preparing for the SAT Test?

Test Preparation
1

<p>To those who have taken the test, I just wanted to ask how you prepared for the SAT in conjunction with your preparations for the PSAT. I am going to be a Sophomore the coming year and I will be taking the PSAT in October, so I am currently studying for my first PSAT without focus on the specific SAT material at the moment. However, knowing that I will be taking the PSAT again in my Junior year (when it counts for the National Merit Scholarship), as well as the SAT in January of my Junior year, I wanted to hear your input on how you managed to study the two tests. Should I just focus on the SAT after I take the PSAT in Sophomore year, or should I study both tests with more emphasis on the SAT?
Also, if you don't mind answering this additional question, do you think that taking the SAT in January (Junior Year) is the best option. With the study plan that I formulated, I should be well prepared to tackle it then, but if you have any other thoughts, I would gladly appreciate it if you put them down! :)</p>

<p>Thanks to all!</p>

<p>P.S. As a reference, I have taken a Diagnostic PSAT test and scored 237/240 in a simulated testing environment. Although this isn't the actual test, I am putting this out there in case this will help you have a clearer understanding of where I am right now. What I am currently studying is the Princeton Review PSAT/NMSQT Prer 2011 Edition (as a guide), McGraw Hill's PSAT/NMSQT 2006 Edition, and reviewing vocabulary that I find in the books I am currently reading as well as those provided in the Princeton Review book.</p>

2

<p>The tests are nearly the same, except in length and the essay. I discuss this and much more in my guide, now available for your viewing pleasure for three easy payments of zero dollars! </p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/955109-silverturtles-guide-sat-admissions-success.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/955109-silverturtles-guide-sat-admissions-success.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

3

<p>Thanks for the quick reply, I am currently reading through your guide and it’s a great reference for me! I understand that the two tests are similar, save for some content, length, and the essay, but I wanted to know if it is really necessary to put much emphasis on studying for the PSAT when the SAT overlaps its contents + has the essay portion of the test. I don’t want to necessarily ignore studying for the PSAT and rely on studying on the SAT because I am aiming to qualify for the National Merit as well, so I just wanted to know if you, or anyone else has some strategies for focusing on these two tests.</p>

4

<p>As I indicate in the guide, preparing for the SAT will help you significantly on the PSAT. Just make sure that you take one or two PSAT practice tests before test day so that you are comfortable with that test’s specific format.</p>