I already took the PSAT this year (I’m a sophomore and am about go into my junior year). I didn’t take the test seriously and didn’t bother doing much or reading the passages, so I got a pretty low score. Over this summer, I’m going to prep for the SAT (~3 hrs a day or so for 60 days). During this prep time, i’ll take practice tests and what not. I plan to take the SAT in August, which is before the October PSAT. Is this a wise decision? Considering that I’ll be practicing and studying all summer, would it really matter if I take a later SAT and take the PSAT before the SAT?
I think would be great, you would be fresh with prep and it would also be prep for PSAT if you are trying for NMSF.
Thanks for your input, I appreciate it.
I agree. If you’ve covered Algebra II material (as there are some math problems requiring that knowledge), no reason not to take the SAT in August. Best of luck on your prep.
My D did this–she studied the summer before junior year, took the October SAT, then the PSAT soon after. Study once, and take both tests while you are primed. D did well on the SAT, better on the PSAT. I think it’s a good strategy if you are shooting for National Merit.
Now that we have the August SAT, my plan for D will be prep hard the summer before JR year,she will take the August SAT and take the OCT SAT too, then take the PSAT for NMF.
First of all, check if August test is still available in your area. Many test centers have been full already. Second, don’t take the real test until you are thoroughly prepared and reached a plateau score. There is no reason to waste your time and money as you are not even in junior year yet.
I am going to be a junior and am also planning on taking August SAT before PAST in October because they are practically the same test.
I took an SAT before I took the PSAT. I also took an SAT the November after my PSAT. Weirdly enough, I got my November SAT results back long before my PSAT results.
Define low score?
I concur about not wasting a test date unless you are sure your have a good chance of hitting your top score. Sitting the test as a totally prepared rising junior is fabulous only if you are totally prepared.
I got an 1140 on my PSAT, which is pretty low for me. I’m going to study hard this summer and if I can’t reach better scores on multiple practice tests, I will just take the test later when I’m prepared.
It’s a good decision, I think the August date was set up so students can get the test done in the summer before the work associated with junior or senior year started. And having to deal with only one test in October, the PSAT, will be good for managing the high school workload. Then you can retake the SAT end of junior year and focus on courses and ECs during the school year. Good luck!