Whats the difference between the PSAT and the SAT?
PSAT stands for Preliminary SAT. It is designed to familiarize you with the kinds of questions you will see on the SAT, to suggest how you may do on the real SAT, and to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. Most sections of the PSAT contain the same types of questions you will see on the SAT, although test is shorter and the questions a little easier, on average. The PSAT is given to sophomores and juniors, but only juniors are eligible for the National Merit Scholarship. Your PSAT scores are reported to your high school. They are not sent to any colleges to which you apply.
First, every SAT I is seen by the colleges. The PSAT is not seen by colleges. Unless you get a tremendous score (top 2%), the PSAT is meaningless. The top 2% in each state qualify for National Merit recognition. While that’s nice for self-esteem, colleges are not impressed if that recognition is not followed up with an equally strong (or close) SAT score. Second, the format differs. The PSAT is shorter and does not require an essay. Its “writing” section os error recognition and grammar. Third, the scoring differs, though not significantly. PSAT gives two-digit scores from 20 – 80 and SAT gives three digit scores from 200 – 800. For National Merit recognition, a strong PSAT verbal ability is doubly rewarded, as the formula is Math + Verbal + Writing. Again, “Writing” should be called “Error Recognition” or “Grammar”; it is a 30 minute multiple choice section that comes at the end. It is NOT a handwritten entry (your child didn’t miss something). There is no discernible difference in le
A. First, every SAT I is seen by the colleges. The PSAT is not seen by colleges. Unless you get a tremendous score (top 2%), the PSAT is meaningless. The top 2% in each state qualify for National Merit recognition. Second, the format differs. The PSAT is shorter. Third, the scoring differs, though not significantly. PSAT gives two-digit scores from 20 – 80 and SAT gives three digit scores from 200 – 800. There is no discernible difference in level of difficulty between PSAT and SAT. However we do find that SAT scores move towards the median – i.e. high PSAT scorers usually fall on their SAT and low PSAT scorers usually rise on their SAT. Since the SAT tests the same level of reading, the same type of vocabulary, and the same math skills, thus we surmise that this “norming” owes to the SAT being a longer test, and a more prepped-for test.
SAT, PSAT, and SAT IIs – A Primer for Beginners by Mark Greenstein, Founder of Ivy Bound Though top schools have become more competitive, kids tend to be better able to grapple with these processes and pressures than most of us were when we applied to college. Little has changed about the process: testing in the junior year, applications in the senior year. Along the way, standardized testing has generally increased in importance. Since that’s my area of expertise, let me fill you in on how it affects kids eyeing four-year colleges. A second set of tests have risen to prominence among admissions committees, the SAT IIs. These were once known as “Achievement Tests” and mattered only for advanced placement purposes. Now the more competitive four-year colleges use them for ADMISSIONS purposes. Many schools desire three strong scores, others just two. Some colleges insist on certain ones being included among them, typically the Math and the Writing. Ivy League schools use the SAT IIs as pa
