I am a confused Sophomore

dekukase
Sat, 29 Jun 2013 08:36:27 +0000

If I were you I would take the PSAT this October (as a sophomore) to see how you do, and take it again as a junior to aim for being a National Merit Scholar. I suggest studying for the PSAT your junior year because it can be really easy to get a higher score with even just a few days of studying (though I would suggest more than just a few days). The problem with the PSAT is that no one studies for it because of when it is.
Also, start taking the ACT (or SAT) right now. I would suggest focusing on whichever test is more popular in your area (for me it is the ACT) so that you could possibly attend free prep sessions if they are offered by your score, and so local and state colleges that are ‘safe’ scores will be fine with the test you chose to take.
I would also suggest taking the SAT fairly soon if you do want to be a National Merit Scholar. I’ve never taken it (I’m an incoming senior), and I wish I would have before I have to take it for NMS.
Though I suggest taking both at least once, you should choose a test to focus on raising your score. For me it was the ACT, and I’m really only taking the SAT for NMS.
A 34 is a great goal (that is what I have) and if you don’t get it the first time it’s fine to take it again. I got a 34 on the June test after my sophomore year, and it was my fourth ACT. I’m not really sure how colleges feel about past ACT scores but I would suggest not taking it every time, which would just frustrate you and psych you out. What I did was take it every year since 7th grade and I improved over time, which hopefully looks good to colleges. Taking it every time it is offered and showing little to no improvement/fluctuating scores probably doesn’t look very good.
Hopefully my advice is helpful! If you have any questions, just let me know. It’s nice to see a fellow Eagle Scout (and equally high achieving person) here. I also got my Eagle at 15, have a 34, will hopefully be a Nation Merit Semifinalist, and is high in class (not number one, but I went to a private school my freshmen year and I have less credits than my classmates).