It's very likely that your scores will improve from sophomore year to junior year. The very best practice for the test, imho, is taking the test. Why not take the SAT in May or June of this year for practice? You can take it more than once, and when you send your scores to colleges, they'll only consider your highest scores. And after taking the test once, you'll have a better understanding of what you need to work on in order to improve your junior-year scores.
Taking the SAT in sophomore year helped geek_son become familiar with the test (and build some test-taking stamina) before it really mattered to him. He took it in March of his sophomore year -- scored well enough for his purpose at the time (admission to a local CC) -- then again in January of junior year. Without extra prep (except taking a practice test, like, the night before), his score improved on every section. He went up from 2030 to 2200 (and there was much rejoicing
)
Also, his PSAT score went up 14 points from sophomore to junior year. Again, no real prep -- he read up on some strategies and took a practice test the night or two before.
geek_son's actual PSAT score was quite a bit higher than his score on the practice test in the book. Ditto on his SAT scores vs the practice test. Something to keep in mind as you prepare -- the tests are representative of the real thing, but not identical, and the testing environment itself may help you to focus better on the real test. Your actual scores may vary from your practice scores. :-)
Algebra 2 and Trig/Pre-Calc will definitely help you on the math section. Active reading will help you boost your vocabulary and your recognition of writing conventions. In geek_son's case, his Latin class has helped vocabulary and grammar, and his junior-year English teacher has drilled the class on SAT vocabulary and essay writing in the past few months.
Between sophomore and junior years, you are prepping for the SAT just by showing up at school, paying attention in class, and doing your homework. So yes, your scores probably will go up a bit from sophomore to junior year. But you can help that process by taking the real test for practice and continuing the prep work you're doing now.
Being Hispanic doesn't give you an "edge" on the test scores; there's no scoring curve based on demographics. However, combined with good grades and good test scores, it can give you a leg up on some scholarship programs and admission to some colleges.
Good luck!
College Confidential is dedicated to providing the best free college admissions information available on the Web, through our many articles and this discussion forum. For those of you who wish more personal advising, College Confidential offers private counseling services, conducted via e-mail, with services starting at $89. Counseling is conducted by our Director of Counseling Dave Berry, co-author of America's Elite Colleges and/or with Sally Rubenstone, co-author of Panicked Parents Guide to College Admission, and our other outstanding associates. See College Counseling for more information.
