Transitioning from ACT to P/SAT?

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
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<p>Hi guys. I'm a sophomore now and I spent most of this year studying for the ACT and was able to get a decent score. Unfortunately, now that I'm done with ACT I get to move on to the PSAT and the SAT. I will be taking the PSAT in October, of course, and I'm really hoping to be at least NMSF.</p>

<p>I took a practice PSAT this year through my school and got a 213 but I also ran out of time on the math. My scores were 75CR 64M 74W. I know that I am going to have to pull up my math to have a decent shot. However, for the ACT I was able to raise my math 4 points in less than a month so I think I would do significantly better now.</p>

<p>My questions (sorry it's taking me so long) are:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Is it better to study for the PSAT and then just apply it to start studying for the SAT? Or should I just jump into SAT prep?</p></li>
<li><p>Is it alright to take the SAT in November, right after the PSAT? This would be the best time for me, but I want to make sure it would possibly count for NMS.</p></li>
<li><p>Anyone have any good practice materials? For either test. Thanks!</p></li>
</ol>

<ul>
<li>edited for spacing</li>
</ul>

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<p>Bump…</p>

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<p>Lots of Real Released College Board SAT’s provided at this link by College Confidential friend SAT Quantum (who also has great math videos that should help)!
<a href=“Links to Additional Official SAT Practice Tests from CollegeBoard - SAT Preparation - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/1277787-links-to-additional-official-sat-practice-tests-from-collegeboard.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>Okay, thanks! Any advice on going from the ACT sophomore year to SAT junior year?</p>

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<p>I wouldn’t take the SAT right after the PSAT; that won’t give you any time to study your mistakes from one to the next.</p>

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<p>@bodangles That makes sense. However, on practices I’m already scoring in the 2200-2250 range, so it’s just stupid mistakes that I’m making holding me back. I’m mostly looking for advice on how to transition, especially the math and essay.</p>

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<p>Essay score is directly correlated to length. Use good examples, but make sure to fill up both pages. If ur examples are solid and both pages are filled up u’ll probably get a 10 at least.</p>

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<p>I suppose I can look up a good essay writing guide and follow those tips, but does anyone have any tips for ACT vs. PSAT vs. SAT?</p>

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<p>You will not receive your PSAT score until early to mid-December, or later at some schools, so I would not wait for the return of the PSAT to take the SAT. You can prep for and take any of the Fall SAT dates as long as your practice scores are in range. Nov test will ‘count’ for NMF qualifier. </p>

<p>The qualifying score needed to confirm NMF status is not very high—1970 perhaps, so if your only goal is a confirming score, you should not have any problem. Now, if you are trying to attain a 2250+ SAT score, then I would practice until your scores are in that range. The Quantum site referenced above is great. My son found Gruber’s useful as math was also his weakest section.</p>

<p>If you exhaust the supply of practice tests linked above, you can always register for the CB on-line course, but I don’t think you will need that, given your starting point. </p>

<p>Oct is a QAS date so you can pay $18 to receive your test and answers via mail three to four weeks after scores are reported. This will show you where you made mistakes, in case you want to gear up and retake.</p>

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<p>@ct1417 Thank you very much for all the help, that information is very useful. One question - what does QAS mean? I’m assuming it’s like the ACT where you can see what you missed?</p>

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<p>Question & Answer Service. Worth it!</p>

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<p>@dyiu13 Ah, thank makes sense! Thank you! :)</p>