Hey folks, I've got younger siblings who are going to start the PSAT journey and I'm a bit out of the loop. Can somebody explain the difference between the PSAT 8/9 and the PSAT 10?
Hello there! Happy to help untangle the PSAT web for your siblings. Simply put, the PSAT 8/9 and the PSAT 10 are both preliminary versions of the SAT, but they're geared towards different grade levels and have slight difficulty variations.
The PSAT 8/9 is intended for eighth and ninth graders as a starting point to help students and teachers identify areas for development. The PSAT 10, on the other hand, is for tenth graders and it's a bit more challenging than the PSAT 8/9.
Think of it as a step up in preparation for the actual SAT. Both provide great practice and can highlight strengths and weaknesses, but neither are used for National Merit Scholarships—that's where the PSAT/NMSQT, taken in junior year, comes into play. It's a great initiative getting your siblings started early, as each successive test will build their confidence and skill set for college admission tests!
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