<p>My son took the PSAT as a sophomore as a practice run also. Without any prep, he scored high enough on the math that the recommendation was for him to be in honors math. He had earlier been in the honors track (in 8th grade he took a bus to the HS to take honors math) but had fallen off the track (he hated the whole experience, so he didn’t do well in the 8th grade class). This prompted him to ask his sophomore math teacher to recommend him for honors math for junior year. So, it had a positive effect.</p>
<p>I took my PSAT sophomore and junior year. My junior year score increased significantly and I didn’t even have a calculator. I think the junior score is more accurate but take it both years to get a good feel for it.</p>
<p>vandygrad87 - </p>
<p>Have you spoken with her counselors about just exactly what this might mean: “She believes she doesn’t test well, even though we have never told her this nor do I see it reflected in her school grades. I have, however, seen it reflected in standardized test scores.” </p>
<p>If her standardized test scores are lower than expected relative to her classroom grades, one possibility is that she has an undiagnosed learning disability. Should she be identified as having one, there may be accommodations available for her at testing time. However, you need to request those in advance. Talk with the resource teachers at her school, or at a public school near you, to find out the steps to take.</p>
<p>I suggest PSAT and PLAN in fall of sophomore year.</p>
<p>THe PSAT fall of junior year is used for National Merit. That one can be worth studying for. Scores may naturally rise (sometimes 20 points or more) over the year, but it can’t hurt to take practice tests if there is any chance. </p>
<p>Also I like SAT question of the day (sent to email) on College Board. Not sure if my son did them or not, but he did get NMF.</p>
<p>“Normal” kids take the PSAT fall of Junior year. </p>
<p>College Confidential kids begin taking the PSAT in pre-school. But CC kids aren’t “normal.” lol</p>
<p>Even when the dinosaurs roamed in the late 70s, I took the PSAT twice.</p>
<p>October of Junior year - or it’s not really the PSAT.</p>