Is the PSAT really the best indicator of SAT scores?
January 30, 2010 The Preliminary SAT (“PSAT”), was created to serve as a practice test for the SAT Reasoning Test. Many argue that performance on the PSAT is, generally, a good indicator of how students will achieve on the SAT. As indicators go, it is certainly satisfactory. However, in our experience, college applicants, and their parents, are looking for something more than merely “satisfactory.” They seek a solid indication of what the student is likely to achieve on the actual SAT exam. Be forewarned: adding a “0” to the PSAT scores and assuming that your SAT scores automatically will be at those levels, without study or preparation, is a dangerous assumption. The reason that many students score lower on their SATs than the PSATs is due to the major differences that exist between the two exams. The PSAT does not include an essay question or algebra II topics. In addition, the PSAT is significantly shorter at 2 hours and 10 minutes, as opposed to 3 hours and 45 minutes for the SAT.
