<p>Hi, I’m a sophomore who just got my PSAT score:</p>
<p>58 Critical Reading
59 Math
63 Writing</p>
<p>I realize that a 180 isn’t good for Duke, and I’m feeling incredibly competitive since I’m salutatorian and the valedictorian (one of my best friends too) got a 200 something. How can I save time for preparation among my ECs (really good, by senior year I think I’ll have 3+ leaderships) and grades (4.3 weighted, 3.75 ish unweighted)? Any tips for securing, to the best of one’s personal judgement, a spot in Duke for Biomedical Engineering? How does the Sophomore PSAT match up with the Junior PSAT, and both SATs? I did really well on the practice test online for the Bio (I forget which one) test, so could that help? Thanks!</p>
<p>honestly, i’m not really sure how the psat scores match up. i went from 205 to 210 -.- . but i got a 2250 sat after taking a couple practice tests. You could probably improve your score by using books recommended in the sat forum. i hear a vocab book called Direct Hits is good for critical reading.</p>
<p>@Dunkleosteus: You’re conscientious and determined to succeed; that’s truly great. However, you’re also (perhaps) 14 years old and you need to relax a little bit. Trust me – I’m 68 and a Duke alumnus, among some other accomplishments – life is a marathon, not a sprint. Therefore, continue to work hard and to do well, but please never forget to “enjoy the journey;” it’s pervasive, while the “destination” isn’t.</p>
<p>Sophomore PSAT means nothing. Study for the PSAT for junior year if you think you have a shot a NMSF, and that will also help you with SAT prep as well. And study for the SAT. This year’s score means nothing at all. It is a chance for you to see the format of the test and get a feeling for what it is like.</p>
<p>@TopTier @intparent Just saying, but this was posted two years ago, so the OP should be a senior already. Of course, plenty of current sophomores already biting their nails about college could use your advice instead.</p>