Is the PSAT easier than the SAT?
" />
For most students, high school means a lot of tests — and some are more challenging than others. Two of the most important exams in the mix are the PSAT and SAT, which students usually take between their sophomore and senior years.
Both tests cover math, reading, and writing, but is the PSAT easier than the SAT? The answer is generally yes, but no two students have exactly the same experience. Understanding what sets the PSAT apart from the SAT will help you better prepare so you can go into each test confidently.
Understanding the Difference Between the PSAT and SAT
The College Board creates both the PSAT and the SAT, but they're separate tests with different purposes. The PSAT serves as a practice test for the SAT and a qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship. It's available to all high school students, but most students take it in their sophomore or junior year. You can also take the PSAT 8/9, which helps you measure your progress from eighth or ninth grade through high school.
The SAT, on the other hand, is an exam you take before applying to colleges. It is a more comprehensive exam, with questions that cover more advanced topics. Many universities accept or require SAT scores as part of their admissions process, using them to evaluate your academic strengths. Students typically take the SAT during their junior or senior years so they can submit scores with their college applications.
Major Differences That Make the PSAT Easier
Although the PSAT covers the same general subjects as the SAT, many students find it less difficult. The score range is one of the most significant distinctions between the exams. You can receive a score between 320 and 1520 on the PSAT, compared to a range of 400 to 1600 for the SAT. This means a perfect score is slightly easier to achieve on the PSAT than on the SAT.
Another key difference between the PSAT vs. SAT is the difficulty of the questions. Although the questions on the reading and writing sections are usually similar, the SAT tends to focus on more advanced math concepts than the PSAT.
Why the PSAT Still Matters
Avoiding an optional exam is tempting for many students, but skipping the PSAT is often a mistake. Although college admissions offices don't accept PSAT scores, taking the test is beneficial in other ways.
Getting a Preview of the SAT
One of the biggest advantages of the PSAT is the opportunity to get early practice for the SAT. Learning to navigate the format, structure, and question types on the exam gives you a better idea of what you'll experience when you take the SAT. Some students find the SAT is easier than the PSAT because they've had the opportunity to practice and prepare.
Qualifying for National Merit Scholarships
The PSAT is also essential if you want to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation invites the highest-scoring students from each state to apply for a college scholarship. The only way to gain consideration for this program is to take the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test PSAT in your junior year of high school and receive a competitive score.
How To Use the PSAT to Prepare for the SAT
Once you've taken the PSAT and received your scores, the next question is what to do with them. If you want to use your results to improve your future test-taking skills, pull up your score report and follow these steps:
- Break down your scores: Along with your overall score, look at your results for each section so you know whether you found one part of the test more challenging.
- Review missed questions: You can't always see the exact questions you missed on the PSAT, but your score report will include skill insights, which help you identify which areas need the most improvement so you can strengthen weak areas.
- Build test confidence and strategies: Taking the PSAT will familiarize you with the structure of the SAT, so you understand the question types better and can try out test strategies, such as substitution for math.
Reviewing skill insights, incorrect answers, and score percentiles is helpful for everyone who takes the exam. Even if you got a good PSAT score, you can still use your results to get a sense of your current skills in each subject.
When To Start SAT Prep After the PSAT
The timing of your SAT preparation depends, in part, on when you take the PSAT. If you want to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship, you have to complete it during the fall of your junior year, but some students also take the PSAT 10 during their sophomore year. This gives you an introduction to the test in a low-stakes environment and provides you with a baseline score as you begin studying for the SAT.
After you've completed the PSAT, you can put your full focus on SAT prep. Many students also take the SAT early in their junior year so they have enough time to take the test again. In that case, beginning your prep during the spring and summer of your sophomore year is a good approach.
No matter when you begin your test prep, getting help from a tutor can help you bridge the gap between the PSAT and SAT. Along with giving you PSAT prep tips, a tutor can help you review the problem areas you identified on the PSAT. They can also work with you on test-taking strategies and time management, especially if you struggled with answering all the questions when you took your practice test.
Turning PSAT Practice Into SAT Success
Taking the PSAT is an important step toward hitting your target score on the SAT. You can learn a lot from your PSAT test scores, including what subjects you need to focus on most, what types of questions you'll encounter on the SAT, and how much time you can spend on each section. Those insights, along with consistent study habits, can help you feel more confident when taking the SAT.
Whether you've already taken the PSAT or want to get an early start on your test prep, Alexander Tutoring is ready to help. Our tutors will work with you one-on-one, tailoring sessions to your needs. Get in touch to find the right SAT tutor today.
