What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Should I prioritize PSAT or SAT prep?

I’m a junior and my schedule is super packed. If I have to choose between PSAT and SAT prep due to time constraints, which one would colleges care more about? Also, do PSAT scores matter if you're not aiming for National Merit?

9 months ago

When it comes to college admissions, the SAT is significantly more important than the PSAT. The PSAT is primarily a practice test for the SAT and serves as a qualifier for the National Merit Scholarship Program. If you’re not aiming for National Merit, then the PSAT scores have minimal impact on your college application.

The SAT, on the other hand, is a standardized test that is part of the admissions criteria for many colleges. Therefore, focusing on SAT prep should be your priority. If time is scarce, concentrate your efforts on preparing for the SAT to improve your chances of admission to the colleges of your choice.

9 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.