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PSAT vs. SAT: Are the prep strategies similar?

So I’m planning out my study schedule and was wondering how different the PSAT is from the SAT. Should I be prepping the same way for both tests or does the PSAT require a different strategy? Any insight or tips would help, thanks!

10 months ago

Hello! It's terrific that you're proactively planning your study schedule. Both tests evaluate similar skills and knowledge, but the SAT is a bit more challenging and lengthier than the PSAT. Broadly, the preparation can be similar — you'll want to practice reading comprehension, grammar, and math skills for both.

However, since the SAT is more in-depth, your prep may include tackling higher difficulty questions and managing your stamina for a longer test. A good strategy is to use the PSAT as a warm-up to identify areas of strength and weakness. Then, as you approach the SAT, focus more intensely on those areas that need improvement.

Also, consider timing — the SAT requires a quicker pace, so practicing under timed conditions can be helpful. As for resources, practice tests are invaluable. They’re available for free on the College Board website, and tools like Khan Academy can be tailored based on your PSAT results to help you in your SAT prep. Best of luck with your studies!

10 months ago

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