PSAT vs SAT
Table of Contents
High school students often take a few different types of tests as they prepare to apply for college. Among those exams are the PSAT and SAT. Knowing the differences between the PSAT vs. SAT, why they’re important, and when to take them can help simplify the college application process.
An Overview of PSAT and SAT Tests
The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) are standardized tests you might need to take to get a scholarship or get into certain colleges. The PSAT is a trial run for the SAT, introducing you to the format of the SAT and the type of content it features.
Many colleges and universities use an SAT score as one factor to help determine your eligibility for that particular school. These tests can also determine your eligibility for National Merit Scholarships.
In the past, students would go to a designated test center and take a paper test. Today, you still need to go to a test center, but the tests are digital. This digital testing allows for faster results and more adaptive tests that can more accurately measure students’ skill levels.
4 Differences Between the PSAT and SAT
Both the PSAT and SAT make up the College Board’s SAT suite of assessments, but there are more differences between the two tests than just the letter P. Here are four differences between the two exams.
Purpose
The main difference between the PSAT and the SAT is the purpose. While both tests can earn you scholarships, the SAT is a college entrance exam that administration offices will weigh when deciding if they should admit you to their school. Because an SAT score can be such a vital piece of your resume, the PSAT helps you get ready for it.
While there is only one SAT, there are multiple types of PSATs. The PSAT 8/9 is for 8th and 9th graders, and the PSAT 10 is for 10th graders. These are practice tests for the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). The main difference between all of these is that while 10th and 11th graders can take the PSAT/NMSQT, only 11th graders are eligible to have their scores go toward scholarships.
You can retake both tests, but if you prep for the PSAT and still get a low score, don’t worry — it won’t affect your college eligibility.
Scoring
While both tests have a similar structure and content, PSAT vs. SAT scores differ. The SAT allows test takers to reach a maximum of 1,600 points, with both sections resulting in a score range between 200 and 800 points. The totals from the Reading and Writing and Math sections combine to give you your total score.
The PSAT works the same way. However, the sections are on a lower scoring scale that ranges from 160 to 760 points, meaning the highest PSAT score is 1520. Your PSAT score should accurately predict your SAT score if you don’t study for the SAT. If you get a 1200 score on the PSAT, you will likely also score around 1200 on the SAT.
Difficulty
When considering the PSAT vs. SAT in terms of difficulty, the SAT is more of a challenge. After all, the PSAT is a practice test for the SAT. On the PSAT, the questions may be more straightforward and concrete to help students new to the testing format get their bearings. SAT questions may require more thought and have you consider more abstract answer choices.
Cost
The fees for each test are the fourth difference between the two. It costs $68 to register for the SAT, and if you are late, you’ll have to pay an extra $29. The PSAT/NMSQT registration fee is much cheaper at $18.
4 Similarities Between the PSAT and SAT
With the differences of the SAT vs. PSAT out of the way, you can focus on how they are similar. Here are four major similarities between the two tests.
Content
Because the PSAT is a trial run for the SAT, both tests feature very similar wording and style of the questions. If you put in a lot of time studying and get a good PSAT score, you’ll likely also do well on the SAT.
Both tests have two main parts:
- The Reading and Writing section tests your ability to answer reading comprehension questions and fix grammatical and stylistic problems in a text.
- The Math section contains math questions. You can use a calculator for some but not all of the math questions.
Structure
The structure of both tests is the same, helping PSAT test takers gain confidence before taking the SAT. The test is divided into two sections: Reading and Writing and Math. Students in the U.S. take both tests digitally.
Text Length
Traditionally, the SAT was longer in terms of time and number of questions. Because these tests have shifted from pen-and-paper to digital, the time and number of equations have changed. Today, both the PSAT and SAT take two hours and 14 minutes to complete.
Both exams have 98 total questions, with:
- 64 minutes and 54 questions for Reading and Writing
- 70 minutes and 44 questions for Math
Each section is divided into two modules of equal time, with a 10-minute break between them.
Question Types
Both sections have multiple-choice questions. In the Reading and Writing section, students must read short texts to select the best answers. They’ll also answer multiple-choice questions about grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
The math subjects on the SAT and PSAT have multiple-choice questions but also include grid-ins. These are questions that don’t offer possible answers, instead making the test taker do the math and figure out the final answer themselves.
As noted before, the sections are broken into two modules of equal time. The first module contains a combination of easy, medium, and hard questions. The difficulty of questions in the second module will depend on your performance in the first half.
If you perform well initially, you will receive more challenging questions in the second module. If you don’t perform well, you will receive less challenging questions that match your skill level.
Prep for Your Exams With Alexander Tutoring
Both the PSAT and SAT are important exams for high school students. While colleges will only see your SAT scores, both tests can result in receiving National Merit Scholarships, which can drastically reduce your college costs. Instead of taking one of the tests and stressing out about the score report, consider letting Alexander Tutoring help you do your best.
At Alexander Tutoring, we provide personalized tutoring services and study plans to help you improve your PSAT and SAT scores. Our one-on-one experts will analyze your testing results to home in on your weaknesses. Study with us and feel confident on testing day!
Visit our website today to learn more about how we can help you prepare for the PSAT and SAT.
FAQs About PSAT and SAT Exams
Is the PSAT easier than the SAT?
The PSAT is an easier test because it is an introduction to the SAT. It is a practice test that students can take to help them familiarize themselves with the process and layout of the SAT.
Who needs to take the PSAT?
High schoolers who plan on attending college and must take the SAT as part of their application can take the PSAT to help them prepare. Sophomores and juniors often take the PSAT to help them understand the format and material of the SAT. The PSAT is an excellent opportunity for students to gauge their readiness level and determine where they can improve before taking the SAT.
