So I'm trying to plan ahead and I'm wondering, when's the best time to take the PSAT? Should I wait until my junior year or is it cool to give it a shot in sophomore year as well?
It's great to see you're planning ahead for the PSAT! The most optimal time to take the PSAT is indeed in your junior year because that's when it counts for the National Merit Scholarship Program. However, taking it in your sophomore year can be beneficial too, as it serves as a practice run to get you familiar with the format and types of questions you'll encounter on the PSAT/NMSQT and later on, the SAT.
If you're aiming for National Merit distinctions or scholarships, the junior year PSAT is essential. But don't overlook the benefits of taking the test as a sophomore. It can provide you with valuable feedback on areas you might need to improve before the actual test that counts in your junior year. For example, if you find you're struggling with critical reading sections, you'll have ample time to focus on that before the next PSAT and SAT tests.
Remember, practice makes perfect, and the earlier you familiarize yourself with the test, the more comfortable you'll be when it's crunch time. If you can, I’d recommend taking it in both sophomore and junior years, as long as the practice doesn't cause undue stress or conflict with your other commitments.
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