<p>I am going to be a sophmore this September. The PSAT is in early October. I just heard about it, I have not even began to study. Is it important that I take it Sophmore year or can I take it Junior year? Do you suggest that I take it in October and start studying now? If so, what are the best books? Thanks, any help is appreciated.</p>
<p>Take it both years, the more the better. And use the Official SAT Study Guide by CollegeBoard so you’ll be prepared for both the PSAT and SAT. $13 off Amazon :)</p>
<p>^It’s not critical by any means that you take the PSAT in your sophomore year. The score you receive in your junior year is the one that matters as far as qualifying for National Merit Semifinalist status.</p>
<p>Your choice if you want to get any prep materials or do any studying beforehand, but since anything before junior year is a freebie I’d suggest taking it more or less “cold” and using that as a point of reference. See what your score is and judge from there how much you want to prep prior to the test in your junior year. </p>
<p>Understand that most students see an improvement in their score just based on the additional material they’re exposed to during the rest of the sophomore year as well, but at least it may give you a point of reference. Good Luck!!</p>
<p>Agree with Wolverine. Take it without prep sophomore year as a baseline. Well, go ahead and take the free PSAT they give you in a booklet to acquaint yourself with the types of questions, but don’t feel compelled to STUDY for it. Then use the baseline score from this year’s test to establish a study plan for next year. Good luck!</p>