<p>I’m currently a sophomore and got a horribly average PSAT score of 165, with no studying. Realistically, I think I will get a 170-something as a junior, and score in the 1800s on the actual SAT. I’m aiming for Johns Hopkins and to get there I need to get a score that’s over 2000. Is it possible? I pay attention in class and I’m willing to study (but I’m not the type to hardcore study 24/7) but I do not have the money or time for prep courses. Any tips/advice would be much appreciated! </p>
<p>And if I do happen to get a low SAT score, is it still possible to get into JHU? I have a 4.3 GPA, high class rank, I’m very involved, do lots of community service, and I have a few leadership positions.</p>
<p>@ZealousStudent a 165 is not a bad score at all for a sophomore without studying. I would expect with a bit of studying, you could improve to maybe even a 210 or so as a junior and easily get a 2000+ on your SAT. By the way, since you posted in 2013 you are a junior now correct? How was your last PSAT? Im a sophomore and scored a 191 
with no prep. Is this good enough to get a 2250+ on the actual SAT?</p>
<p>2000 is unlikely to get you into Hopkins, by the way.</p>
<p>I got a 151 as a sophomore without studying, got an 1810 on my first SAT, and a 2050 on my second SAT. IMO, the best way to improve is simply by practicing. I took numerous practice tests, and reviewed each and every mistake each time.I then used those mistakes to make sure I didn’t make the same ones next time. College board releases tests online that I could help you find since you don’t want to spend money (I didn’t spend 1 cent on prep and I didn’t have that much time either). Good luck! If you need any more help, feel free to ask.</p>
Wow, such an old thread! I kind of feel embarrassed of the sophomore me…
@averagewhiteguy, I am indeed a junior now. I only got a 195 on the last PSAT. I think I slightly improved simply because I learned more about the SAT and I would do the Official SAT QOTD as often as I could, but that’s really it. I definitely think that if you studied, you could eventually reach that goal on the actual SAT. Realistically, if you started studying now, I wouldn’t be surprised if you managed to get the national merit scholarship next year.
@marvin100, yeah haha I’m literally cringing at how clueless I was about the SAT and college a year ago! Right now, I’m starting to actually start studying (I put the pro in procrastination) so I’ll see where that takes me.
Good to hear, and best of luck to you!
Best of luck @ZealousStudent