What is the difference between the PSAT and the SAT?
The “P” in PSAT stands for “preliminary.” It is typically taken before any official SAT test. The PSAT does not have an essay and it only has five individual sections, as opposed to the SAT’s ten sections. So, the PSAT is only a little over two hours of testing, while students are usually at a test center for well over four hours on SAT test day. Aside from the essay, the types of questions on the PSAT and SAT are identical. Therefore, PSAT performance is a fairly good indication of how a student may have scored on an SAT taken at the same time. Of course, the fact that the SAT is twice as long makes it more difficult for most students. Despite the differences between the two tests, it is very strongly recommended that you take the PSAT in October of both your sophomore and junior years. It provides a baseline for your scoring profile and you may even qualify for National Merit status. (Read the next question.) By the way, to compare PSAT and SAT scores, just add a “0” to the end of th
The differences between the PSAT and the SAT are, basically: – different scoring scale (PSAT 60-240; SAT 600-2400) – no essay on the PSAT – PSAT is half as long as the SAT – PSAT scores do not get sent to colleges – PSAT counts for the National Merit Scholarship if you’re in 11th grade – (and this one is just my opinion) PSAT seems a bit easier The score on your PSAT can give you an estimation of what you’ll get on the SAT – but you’ll not necessarily get equivalent scores on both tests. For instance, assume you get a 196 on the PSAT. While you might get the exact 1960 on the SAT, it’s much more likely that you’ll be somewhere in the 1860-2060 range.
The PSAT is a pre-SAT. It is half the size and half the time. It ultimately covers the same content but it doesn’t have an essay. The PSAT is scored 60-240. It is a qualifying test for juniors in high school only for the National Merit Scholarship. Scores are never ever ever sent to colleges. The SAT, on the other hand, is scored from 600-2400. Depending on the college you’re applying to, they’ll expect certain scores. Compare test-taking to running. Sprinters can run 100yd in under ten seconds. But if they ran long distance, they wouldn’t keep up the same speed and run a mile in under three minutes. The same thing happens when you take the tests. You will get tired. So if you get a 200 on PSAT, it doesn’t mean you’ll get a 2000 in the SAT. But you very well could, if you’re really good.
PSAT is the practice test that is similar to the SAT. The SAT’s scores are out of 2400 while the PSATs are out of 240. If you took the PSAT, then to calculate what your score would be on the actual SAT, just add a zero to the end (eg PSAT: 57 = SAT: 570). Most colleges take SATs into regard. I don’t think any look at your PSAT score (since it’s just the practice test scores). PSATs are still good to take since they give you a feel of what the SAT is like and what to expect. Also, in your junior year, if you score well enough, you can qualify for a scholarship.
