Take the PSAT

The PSAT doesn’t count toward your college admission, but it does prepare you for the SAT. It is basically a shorter version of the SAT, but provides you with a real test environment in which to practice the questions and types of questions that will be on the real test. The PSAT also acts as an application for the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. So, if you are interested in this scholarship, you should definitely take the PSAT.

It is true that it is not required to take the PSAT, but if you want to your best on the SAT, the test that really counts, you should try out your test taking skills on this practice test. Next is the SAT. Besides taking the SAT, you should also expect to prepare quite a lot for the test beforehand. Your high school should offer preparatory materials to help you get acquainted with the exam and the kinds of questions you’ll be asked. You can even download some of these materials with practice questions for free at:
http://www.collegeboard.com/

You can also sign up for a preparatory course to help you get ready for the SAT. Your school may offer some or you can visit the following websites to find out about SAT prep courses in your area.

Kaplan: http://www.kaplan.com/
The Princeton Review: http://www.princetonreview.com/
Sylvan Learning Center: http://www.educate.com/

Be sure to also look into online course you can take to prepare for the SAT. It’s a good idea to take your SAT in the spring of your junior year. The first testing opportunity is usually held in March. Visit this site to find out when test dates are being offered in your area:

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees/calenfees2.html