PSAT and SAT: What's the Difference?

Okay, so trying to get a grip on all the standardized testing. Can someone explain the difference between the PSAT and SAT? Also, does PSAT performance predict SAT scores?

Both the PSAT and SAT are standardized exams used in the college admissions process, but they have different purposes and slight structural differences.

The PSAT, also referred to as the Preliminary SAT, is generally taken by high school sophomores and juniors. It serves as a practice test for the SAT and also helps identify National Merit Scholars. The SAT, on the other hand, is usually taken by juniors and seniors and is used by colleges as part of their admission decision process.

In terms of structure, as of 2024, both tests are fully digital and share the same structure: they are sectioned into two main categories, Reading and Writing, and Math, each divided into two modules. For both the SAT and the PSAT, you have about 71 seconds per question in the Reading and Writing sections and about 96 seconds per question in the Math sections. The total duration of both tests is 134 minutes, to complete 98 questions.

In terms of scoring, the two tests use different scales. The PSAT is scored on a scale of 320-1520, while the SAT is scored on a scale of 400-1600. There isn't a 1-to-1 conversion between the two scores, but they are close. For example, an 1150 on the PSAT is approximately equivalent to an 1180 on the SAT.

And yes, because PSAT and SAT have similar content and format, a student's performance on the PSAT can serve as a predictive tool for their SAT performance, although it's not a guarantee. For instance, areas where a student falls short on the PSAT would likely be areas for improvement on the SAT. Just keep in mind that external factors like preparation, test-day conditions, and stress levels can all impact how well these scores correlate. If a student uses their PSAT scores to inform their study strategies, they can boost their SAT scores.