Sophomore seeks PSAT advice

Test Preparation
1

<p>Hello, everyone. I'm new to the forum, and it seems very informative. I have a question regarding the PSAT; normally I wouldn't post it, but I feel that it's rather specific.</p>

<p>I took the PSAT as a sophomore a few months ago. My selection index was 185, which is sort of...deceptive. I got a 73 in writing (99 percentile), 67 in critical reading (98 percentile), but a 45 (53 percentile) in math. I'm an honors/AP student and consider myself somewhat intelligent, but the low score in math wasn't entirely unexpected. You see, my math background is rather weak, as I went to a (poor) private school until 8th grade, where I learned little algebra. In high school they put me into an advanced (though not honors) math class, where I received Bs. Currently I'm in geometry and getting As. [Next year I’ll take AP Statistics instead of pre-calculus (it’ll be easier and increase my GPA). Is this a wise decision?]</p>

<p>Anyway, what is the best method for improving my math score? Granted, I hadn't taken geometry when I took the PSAT, so obviously the math deficit wasn't a reflection of my actual ability overall. Still...I want to be at least commended, if not a semifinalist, after I take the PSAT next year.</p>

<p>Is it worth it to prep for this test, given my sophomore selection index?</p>

2

<p>"[Next year I’ll take AP Statistics instead of pre-calculus (it’ll be easier and increase my GPA). Is this a wise decision?]"</p>

<p>Do you really have to ask that question?</p>

3

<p>I think you misunderstand me. I wanted to know if not taking pre-calculus would be disadvantageous in the college admissions process.</p>