<p>I'm a Sophomore, and just got back the results from my PSAT from October.
It was my first time taking any PSAT, and I had no preparation or anything as I just wanted to see what kind of shape I was in before starting any prep for the SAT and I was required to take it by my school.
I got a 225 (73 Reading, 74 Math, 78 Writing), and I'm not really sure exactly what that indicates, but I was pretty happy as I know from looking at the questions I missed that I can improve some before taking the real test.</p>
<p>I was wondering what the best ways are that you all suggest to move forward from here to prepare for the SAT. I've browsed a couple of other posts and seen references to the College Board's official SAT book and the Direct Hit vocabulary books. Are there any other useful tools that you would recommend?</p>
<p>I'm hoping to take the SAT on June 6, and then hopefully the ACT on June 13, just to try my hand at both (and to see if I want to take the SAT again before they change it). I just want to try each out so I can find which I am better at to then start prepping for one or the other (or both?) throughout my junior year.</p>
<p>Thats a very impressive score. I ended up with 74 CR/73 W/65 M. I’m confident that I will be able to raise my math score significantly, and then it’s just a matter of maintaining the CR and writing scores. Are you trying to finalize your SATs before the new test is rolled out?</p>
<p>Thanks, @ypmagic for the suggestions! I looked at the RSI competition you referenced. It says that they “recommend” applicants have at least a 76 in math. Do you think this is an issue? Do you know of any other competitions that are available, or other resume-boosters (right now my resume has absolutely nothing, haha)? I didn’t even realize they existed for 10th graders.</p>
<p>@kzkzoh I’m not entirely sure, but I think I’d like to at least try the current SAT once or twice before they institute the new one, just because I don’t know which one I will be better at. </p>
<p>Thanks, guys, for the help. I really appreciate it.</p>
<p>@Maverick10 I’m applying to RSI 2015. It’s a program designed <em>only</em> for students with one year left of high school. Of course, exceptions are made, but that’s mainly for people who get a 2200+ on the full-fledged SAT when they’re 8. (See: Terence Tao). It would (probably, again there are exceptions) be a waste of the $60 application fee for you. Don’t let that discourage you if you feel competitive though, you are much smarter than I am.</p>
<p>That being said there are tons of options: Look into Governor’s schools (if your state has them), competitive summer programs at colleges that similar to RSI,AMC/AIME/USA(J)MO, USABO,USACO, USAwhateverO, NASA/Google internship, and just a “regular” old internship at nearbyish places like big corporations and science labs and universities. These places are practically dying for intelligent people like yourself to help out.</p>
<p>Also for reference I got a 170ish on my PSAT last year and I was (apparently) qualified for a Governor’s school. You can very well do one,some,several,or all of these if you set your mind to it. Good luck!</p>