SAT/PSAT/ACT Recommendations:
1. Sophomores should take the PLAN and PSAT.
PLAN is a short version of the ACT. The percentile on the Composite Score is a good indication of the composite percentile on the ACT given continued participation in a college preparatory curriculum. In other words, 90th percentile (top 10% of students) on the PLAN is predicting the same level on the ACT as a junior/senior.
PSAT is a short version of the SAT, minus the essay. The percentile on the Selection Index, however, is based on junior performance. So expect the PSAT percentile to be lower than that of the PLAN. A percentile of 75 or above as a sophomore is a good indication of possible National Merit potential as a junior.
2. Juniors should take the October PSAT to compete in the National Merit Competition.
Scores in the 95th percentile or above on the October PSAT in the junior year bring students National Merit recognition. A Selection Index score of 200 or above designates a student as a National Merit Commended Scholar. This honor helps tremendously with college applications.
The top students within each state go on to be named National Merit Semi-Finalists. For the October 2003 and October 2004 PSAT, the Tennessee cut-off for Semi-Finalist was 216. The October 2005 PSAT Tennessee cut-off was 217. Semi-Finalists are invited to submit supporting materials to compete for Finalist standing.
Both Semi-Finalists and Finalists earn the right to compete for numerous scholarships. You can learn more about the selection process at www.nationalmerit.org.
Students who do not score in the 95th percentile or above should view the PSAT as practice for the upcoming SAT.
3. Juniors should take both the SAT and the ACT at least once.
Most colleges will take the highest score: SAT or ACT. Students should take both exams at least once. The skills that are measured are different.
You can learn more about the SAT and register online at http://www.collegeboard.com/.
You can learn more about the ACT and register online at http://www.actstudent.org/.
4. Juniors and seniors should repeat the SAT and ACT as needed to obtain scores that will help with college admissions and scholarships.
If the tests are repeated, colleges will take the highest score.
5. Juniors and seniors should take SAT II tests only if needed for the application process of select colleges.
SAT II tests are an hour in length and measure skills in such areas as Math, Literature, World History, American History, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Languages. These scores are usually only needed for the application processes of select colleges. If need, SAT II tests should be taken in conjunction with AP exams whenever possible.
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