The Differences Between the SAT and PSAT

What are the differences between SAT and PSAT, and which one should I take? You should take both tests, but each test plays an important and different role for any student who is college-bound. They are both created by The College Board and the questions on both tests follow the same patterns and rules. There are a couple of differences in the content, but basically if a student is studying for one test, he or she is studying for both.

The ETS (Educational Testing Service), a division of The College Board, creates the questions for the SAT and the PSAT. When they write the problems, they use a standardized profile and pattern that they must follow. These same patterns are used again and again—this is why the test is standardized. By learning the mindset of The College Board and the way the questions are designed, students can learn to recognize similar patterns and answer the questions more quickly and correctly.  

The SAT (Standardized Assessment Test) is a test that most colleges use for an entrance exam. Students must have a minimum score just to get into the school of their choice. (These scores will vary depending on the college.) The SAT score can also determine eligibility for scholarships. The higher the scores—the bigger the scholarship money!

The SAT is also offered seven times a year. The first one is in October and the last one is in June. Students will need to schedule the test ahead of time because there are deadlines and late fees to contend with. Signing up for the test can be done through the mail or at www.collegeboard.com. There are no penalties for taking the SAT many times. Colleges usually just want the student’s highest score and many schools will even take the highest scores from different sections of different tests to give the student their best combined score.

The PSAT/NMSQT is a “preliminary” SAT test that is used only for determining the students who qualify for the National Merit Scholarship program. It is only offered once a year in the third week of October. This test only counts in a student’s junior year of high school but should be taken in their freshman and sophomore years for practice. The National Merit Corporation will take the top one percent of the nation to be entered in the contest. Scores that qualify for scholarships will vary year to year and depending on where a student lives. The scores are based on state population as well as student performance. For example, qualifying scores in Texas have been around a 216 out of a 240 the last few years; in Arkansas, the students only need about a 201 to reach semi-finalist level. Scholarships could include: full tuition, free room and board, honors dorms, study-abroad stipends, graduate money, etc.

Both tests contain the same three sections: Critical Reading, Math and Writing. The difference in content between the two tests is that there is no essay or Algebra 2 on the PSAT. The SAT is about three hours and forty-five minutes (not including breaks) and the PSAT is about two hours and ten minutes long.

The SAT has ten sections: three Critical Reading sections that total seventy minutes; three Math sections that also total seventy minutes; and three Writing sections that total sixty minutes (this includes a twenty-five minute essay). The tenth section is called the Equating section—an experimental section that doesn’t count. The College Board uses it to determine questions that they may use on future tests. This section can be found in the math, critical reading or writing section but students will not know which one it is.

The PSAT has five sections: two Critical Reading sections that total fifty minutes; two Math sections that also total fifty minutes; and one Writing section that totals thirty minutes.

Since these tests are standardized, it means the recurring patterns that they use can be figured out. Students should start preparing for these tests at least in ninth grade. Time will be on their side and they will have plenty of it to work on the question types by getting familiar with them. Learning strategies and shortcuts on these tests and then practice taking tests is the key to doing well and receiving the high test scores. 

Both tests play a significant role in a student’s life when it comes to college preparation. The PSAT can yield incredible scholarship offers when a student is a junior and the SAT is the first step to get a student into college as well as it can be the springboard for scholarships from the college. Students should not pick one test over the other – make both tests a priority!

This article is the work of author, Jean Burk. It is the property of Maven of Memory Publishing, and may be reproduced according to the following terms.