What are the differences between the PSAT and the SAT?
First, the PSAT scores are presented on a different scale. Instead of each test being reported on a 200-800 scale, PSAT scores are on a 20-80 scale. The SAT is much longer than the PSAT. Because of the inclusion of the essay and an experimental/equating section and the need for greater reliability, the SAT requires 3 hours and 45 minutes while the PSAT is completed in 2 hours and 10 minutes (not including breaks). The content of the PSAT mimics that of the SAT except that there is no essay and Algebra II concepts are de-emphasized on the PSAT because, in October, many students will have only just begun this math class.
