Hi, I’m a sophomore and I took the ACT in September. I got a 36 composite and a 9 on the writing. I will take the PSAT next year, and I think that if I practice enough I can make national merit semifinalist. However, is it worth it to study and take the SAT in order get to national merit finalist status, especially if it means that I might get a mediocre score?
Thank you!
If you get NMSF, how can you possibly get a mediocre score?
Collegs love NMSF. You should try to do well. There is nothing to lose and eveything to gain, inlcuding good merit offers.
You can always wait until you get your PSAT results back, and then only take the SAT if you need to. Worked out well for me, although senior year can get busy.
I am thinking you have real potential for NMF. So please prep for it! I see no downside of prepping for it.
Wishing you the best!
Yea I would say it’s worth it. I was pretty much in the same boat as you; had a 35 ACT at the end of sophomore year. I didn’t study for the PSAT at all but ended up actually getting NMSF. I then took the SAT November this year (I’m a senior) and got a 1560, no prep. I’m pretty sure that with your ACT score you’ll do really well on the PSAT and new SAT since they’re so similar to the ACT.
However, I agree with @whitespace in that senior year can get really busy though, so it’s up to you to decide whether you want to take it now or wait. Good luck!
There are scholarships solely for NMFs. Take it. With a 36 ACT you shouldn’t need to do more than take the test guide that comes with the test registration booklet.
I had a 36 and qualified for NMSF. It was kind of a pain having to take the SAT after getting a perfect ACT, but it was definitely worth it. I’d advise you to take the SAT as soon as possible as you tend to have less on your plate sophomore year. Best of luck!
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But to qualify for NMF, don’t you have to take the SAT only specific dates in your senior year?
No, you can take it anytime. As far I know there is no specific date
There is a range of dates that are acceptable. For me, that was Oct 2014-Dec 2016. I don’t know how yours might change with the new SAT. You should be good if you take it this year.
Oh yeah, @pineapple86 is right. I meant no specific date as in anytime you take it from hereon out will be acceptable.
How do i know what the range of dates is?
I’m assuming it will remain the roughly 2 year window it currently is.
You can take the SAT anytime from October of your sophomore year until December of your senior year. If necessary, you can take it multiple times.