PSAT and the SAT are both standardized tests held by the College Board, which predict student readiness for college. The difference between the PSAT and the SAT Test, or PSAT Vs SAT, Format of the Evidence-Based Reading, Writing(EBRW), and the Math is mostly similar but has little differences. PSAT is an NMSQT National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which is 10 minutes shorter per section.
PSAT has very easy questions relatively the SAT. On the other hand, SAT includes complex algebra, advanced grammar rules, and much more, aligning with college-level expectations. Another thing is scoring; the PSAT’s top score is 1520, and the SAT goes up to 1600, which is a higher difficulty and competitiveness.
PSAT is the pre-SAT test to judge the student’s academic performance for the actual SAT. By that, the student can continue their preparation for the SAT. Here we differentiate the PSAT and the SAT. Read more information about the SAT.
Difference Between PSAT and SAT
- The primary difference between the PSAT and the SAT lies in their purpose and significance.
- The SAT is a crucial component of college admissions, while the PSAT acts as a preparatory tool and is also used for qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
- The PSAT is offered only once a year, typically in October, whereas students can take the SAT multiple times throughout the year.
- The SAT is the core component of getting admission into college, and the PSAT is the pre-test used to qualify for the National Scholarship Merit Program.
- The PSAT is held only once a year in October, and students can take the SAT multiple times throughout the year.
- The SAT has an optional essay section, but the PSAT does not. These tests cover the subjects of English Reading, English Writing, and Math.
PSAT Score Vs SAT Score
PSAT Score Vs SAT Score are the same in the subject test, but different in the subject Score. For example, a score of 320 to 1520 on the PSAT is equal to the SAT’s actual range from 400 to 1600. The PSAT is a practical tool for evaluating a student’s academic record for the SAT and college-level studies.
PSAT vs SAT Difficulty
If we talk about the SAT and PSAT difficulty, then the SAT is generally a more challenging exam compared to the PSAT. The PSAT is only designed to guess the question types that come in the actual SAT. Both have the same subjects, but there is a difference in the score and the test difficulty.
In the SAT actual test, the most advanced topics will be covered, like complex algebra and trigonometry, but in the PSAT, only the basics are covered. The paper pattern in the PSAT is just like the SAT, but requires deeper analytical and critical thinking to pass. Bypassing the PSAT, the student will get more knowledge and a better experience with the SSAT
PSAT vs SAT Timing and Question
Here is the information consolidated into two columns:
The PSAT test time is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, but the SAT actual test is 3 hours, excluding the breaks.
- PSAT: 139 questions
- SAT: 154 questions
PSAT Math Vs SAT Math
There are some clear differences between the math sections of the PSAT and the SAT. The PSAT questions are relatively easy and emphasize algebra and basic geometry. The SAT, on the other hand, includes more challenging problems, advanced algebra, and data analysis. The number of questions and time limits on both tests also vary, making time management skills important. The PSAT is considered a great practice for SAT preparation.
PSAT Score Conversion Vs SAT Score Conversion
The conversion method for PSAT and SAT scores is different. The full PSAT score ranges from 320-1520, while the SAT ranges from 400-1600. In general, you can estimate your potential SAT score by adding 80-100 points to your PSAT score.
For example, if you scored 1000 on the PSAT, your SAT score could be around 1080-1100. Remember that the PSAT is only intended to qualify for practice and National Merit Scholarships, while the SAT score is used for college admissions. Therefore, SAT preparation should be taken more seriously.
| Test | Total Score Range | Section Score Range | Sections |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSAT | 320–1520 | 160–760 (per section) | Reading & Writing, Math |
| SAT | 400–1600 | 200–800 (per section) | Reading & Writing, Math |
| PSAT Section Score | Estimated SAT Section Score |
|---|---|
| 760 | 800 |
| 750 | 790 |
| 740 | 780 |
| 730 | 770 |
| 720 | 760 |
| 710 | 790 |
| 700 | 780 |
| 690 | 770 |
| 680 | 760 |
| 670 | 750 |
| 660 | 740 |
| 650 | 730 |
| 640 | 710 |
| 630 | 700 |
| 620 | 690 |
| 610 | 680 |
| 600 | 670 |
| 590 | 660 |
| 580 | 640 |
| 570 | 630 |
| 560 | 620 |
| 550 | 610 |
| 540 | 600 |
| 530 | 590 |
| 520 | 580 |
| 510 | 570 |
| 500 | 560 |
| 490 | 550 |
| 480 | 530 |
| 470 | 520 |
| 460 | 510 |
| 450 | 500 |
| 440 | 490 |
| 430 | 480 |
| 420 | 470 |
| 410 | 460 |
| 400 | 440 |
| 390 | 430 |
| 380 | 420 |
| 370 | 410 |
| 360 | 400 |
| 350 | 390 |
| 340 | 380 |
| 330 | 370 |
| 320 | 360 |
| 310 | 350 |
| 300 | 340 |
| 290 | 330 |
| 280 | 320 |
| 270 | 310 |
| 260 | 300 |
| 250 | 290 |
| 240 | 280 |
| 230 | 270 |
| 220 | 260 |
| 210 | 250 |
| 200 | 240 |
| 190 | 230 |
| 180 | 220 |
| 170 | 210 |
| 160 | 200 |
FAQs
Is the PSAT Harder than sat
No, the difficulty of the SAT and the PSAT test depends upon the student’s preparation, academic practice skills, and experience. For beginners, both tests will be difficult, but for students with strong skills, both are easy to attempt.
How is the PSAT Different From the SAT
- Purpose: The SAT is for college admission, but the PSAT serves as practice and for scholarship eligibility.
- Frequency: The PSAT is held only once a year, but the SAT is held multiple times.
- Content Depth: The SAT covers more advanced topics, while the PSAT focuses on the basics.
- Sections: The SAT has an optional essay section, but the PSAT does not.
- Scoring Ranges: The scoring ranges are different; PSAT scores range from 320 to 1520, while SAT scores range from 400 to 1600.
Do colleges look at the PSAT or SAT?
Colleges focus on the Scoring in both tests because this indicates that students are not ready for college. However, the PSAT’s purpose is different because it does not focus on getting college admission, but focuses on practicing for the SAT and applying for a national scholarship.
Does PSAT in 10th Grade Matter?
Yes, the PSAT 10th-grade score impacts the student’s academic record. It highlights strengths and weaknesses in subjects, allowing students to focus on areas for improvement to achieve a better SAT score.
What does a 1200 on the PSAT Equal on the SAT?
A PSAT score of 1200 typically equates to an SAT score between 1300 and 1400, depending on individual performance factors.
Is PSAT Easier than SAT?
Yes, the PSAT is slightly easier than the SAT.
The PSAT is slightly less challenging; the questions are shorter, and the test is shorter. However, the basic format and subjects (math, reading, writing) are the same. The PSAT is considered the best practice for SAT preparation.
