I am a confused Sophomore

AlmostLimitless
Sat, 29 Jun 2013 09:16:17 +0000

PSAT - mainly good for NMF status, which is good for scholarships (for certain schools) as well as looks good on applications. Do as suggested ^ and take it sophomore year (your score won’t count for NMF until you’re a junior, but it’s good practice). If you do well, you’ll likely do well on the SAT also.
SAT/ACT - depends on your strengths. Take a practice test of each. SAT has critical reading, writing, and math, while the ACT has English, math, reading, and science. While a bright student will do well on both, he or she may do better on one than the other. Both include an essay portion, take it even though it’s “optional” because most schools require it. Generally you report your highest score, although different colleges have different rules for applicants.

And as you’re looking into Ivy League, consider which SAT subject tests you want to take.
Usually you take them in subjects related to your intended major, or subjects you excel in. Many colleges require these (Harvard, MIT, etc).

Good luck! You’ve still got a lot of time, just keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll be fine.