I’m a soon-to-be 10th grader, and I am planning on going to MIT (I’m interested in the engineering / computer science field). Right now I’m studying for the PSAT, as I want to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. The MIT website states that they require the ACT as well as two SAT subject tests (math and science). I’ve learned algebra I, geometry, chemistry, and living environment so far in school, and I’m learning physics as well as Algebra II next year. I’m a bit confused on when I should be studying for all these tests, as I want to do good in all of them. The NMSQT is said to contain Algebra II (which I’m going to learn this year), so does that mean I only have two months to study for the PSAT (summer between 10th and 11th grade)??? Also, if I’m planning on preparing for the PSAT to the point of a scholarship, should I take the SAT or the ACT? I thought ACT would be better since it has science, but then that’s another thing to study. When should I start studying for the ACT/SAT? Also, I recently heard about SAT Subject Tests, and you need to take one for math and science. What grades do I take these in and when should I start studying for them? This discussion is basically on when I should study for all these tests I have to take.
Sidenote: Are there any other scholarship opportunities similar to or even better than the NMSQT (my parents can’t afford college which is why im trying to get a scholarship from the NMSQT)? Also what are some other college contenders similar to or better than MIT?
OK- here is one possible test scenario for you. 10th grade: Fall take the PSAT, as a practice without studying, just to see how you do. Spring take the Physics SATII while it is still fresh in your mind. Summer study for the PSAT. 11th grade: Fall take the PSAT. Winter take the SAT and ACT. Spring take the SATII math test. Possibly retake either the SAT or ACT if you need to raise your score. 12th grade: another opportunity to take either the SAT or ACT if you need to. Both tests are accepted by colleges, and you can just concentrate on your strongest test if a retake is needed. So, relax, you don’t need to study for any of these until Spring. Concentrate on doing well in your classes for now. Also, there are a lot of good engineering schools. It makes more sense to look at specific schools in 11th grade in relation to your test results, Gpa, and interests at that time.
Thanks for the advice! One thing that caught my eye, though, was when you said to take the SAT/ACT during the winter of junior year. If I spend the summer studying for PSAT, when will I prep for the ACT/SAT? Also is 2 months enough to study for the PSAT? A lot of friends from the same school are taking SAT prep over the summer.
Prepping for the PSAT and the SAT is pretty much the same. My kids prep a bit the summer between 9th and 10th grade for the Oct PSAT for practice in 10th grade prep a bit more as time allows over Christmas break and take the SAT in March of 10th grade (before prepping for AP Exams in April). Their 10th grade prep is mainly Khan.
The summer between 10th and 11th grade my kids prep heavily for the PSAT/SAT and take the SAT in OCT and the real PSAT in OCT. It’s killing two birds with one stone prepping for both at the same time.
My kids take the SAT Math2 the May they are finishing up Pre Cal and the Physic exam the May they finish Physics
I think prep for the PSAT/SAT can be focused mainly on practice tests, or borrow a study guide from the library and work through a chapter a week-It shouldn’t take an entire Summer. Spend time reading, working on hobbies, and have some fun. As you can see from 3scoutsmom’s reply, there are multiple good ways to approach all of these tests.
Your PSAT scores will be a good indication of whether you’ll be a good SAT taker. My kid struggled to crack 700 on the PSAT math, switched to ACT and got a 36 on the math section.
If your PSAT scores are great, just do the SAT rather than learning another test.
As far as the other tests go, my daughter did SAT Subject in Chemistry in June after 10th, after taking AP Chem. To prep, she took a practice test, then based on the practice test she read the environmental chemistry chapter of her Chem textbook. The rest she knew from doing the AP test. If there is a science subject test for your 10th grade science class, that’s a good one to knock out and be done with. If your math is strong, you may be able to knock out a math test at the same sitting, too. (Without Precalculus, you should do math level 1.)
She did the SAT Math 2 in May of 11th, then the ACT in June. Looking back, I would have done a first ACT in February of 11th grade (April conflicts with science fair competitions). Her June ACT test scores were fine, but if she hadn’t done well, retesting fall of senior year is kind of leaving things to the last minute. (She waited on the PSAT score and switched to ACT and didn’t have enough time to be ready with her other things going on.)
NMSQT scholarships won’t pay for MIT, by the way. You need to run their net price calculator to see your price at that school.
https://sfs.mit.edu/access-affordability/net-price-calculator
For schools that do give full scholarships for national merit, look here
Http://Nmfscholarships.yolasite.com
Is there a reason why you have to take SAT math 2 or SAT subject?
OP wants to apply to MIT. Many top schools require/recommend subject tests, particularly Math 2 if for engineering.