Student-centric advice and objective recommendations
Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.
Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here.
PSAT vs SAT: Everything You Need to Know
By
Lisa Freedland
Lisa Freedland is the Program Manager at Scholarships360, where she leads our scholarship research team. She adds new scholarships to our database, ensures each opportunity meets our rigorous quality and eligibility standards, and keeps our scholarships up-to-date with the latest information. Previously, she honed her research and writing skills as a Content Writer at Scholarships360, a Reviewer and Fact Checker at Gigafact and a Researcher at University of Southern California and University of California, Irvine.
Learn about our editorial policies
Caitlyn Cole is a college access professional with a decade of experience in non-profit program and project management for college readiness and access organizations.
Learn about our editorial policies
Maria Geiger is Director of Scholarship Services at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.
Learn about our editorial policies
The College Board offers many, many different exams. Most students are familiar with the SAT that comes after the PSAT. So, what is the PSAT – is it just a “practice SAT”? Ultimately, while the PSAT and SAT are very similar, there are a few differences between them as well.
So, if you’re in high school and anticipate that you’ll be taking either the PSAT or SAT (or both) soon, keep on reading to learn about their similarities and differences!
Don’t miss: Scholarships360’s free scholarship search tool
What is the PSAT?
The PSAT is often appropriately described as a “preliminary” or “practice” SAT. This is for good reason – the test is incredibly similar to the real SAT exam. The PSAT is typically taken before one takes the SAT. Other times, however, the PSAT is called the NMSQT or “National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.” This is because students who perform well on the exam can potentially qualify for a National Merit Scholarship. The PSAT is now completely digital, so no need to worry about bring extra pencils!
What is the PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9?
While the PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 also exist, these are typically taken earlier (in one’s academic career) than the PSAT/NMSQT. Neither the PSAT 10 or 8/9 qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship. When we refer to the “PSAT” in this article, we are referring specifically to the PSAT/NMSQT!
What is the SAT?
The acronym SAT stands for “Scholastic Aptitude Test.” But it is better known as just the “SAT.” Students use the exam to show their “readiness for college work”. Colleges know how much high schools’ standards and grading systems may differ greatly by country, state, and even city. So, having a way to compare students using the same measure is a great tool in the college admissions process. This test is used by both U.S. and international universities and colleges. Thus, the SAT is used to combat some of these discrepancies between high schools.
The test is similar to the PSAT in the sense that It provides colleges with a way to compare students from all over the country (and world). And, just like the PSAT, the SAT is a multiple-choice exam testing students on multiple subjects. On that note, it’s time to compare the PSAT and SAT! What exactly makes them similar, and what makes them different? Let’s take a look.
PSAT vs. SAT: What makes them similar?
In truth, the PSAT and SAT are nearly identical. This is not necessarily shocking – their names only differ by the fact that the PSAT has a “Preliminary” in front of “Scholastic Aptitude Test” (SAT). Besides this, they’re also both administered by the College Board. So, students who have already taken one of the exams should have a general idea of what to expect on the other.
However, it’s important to note that there are still a few important differences between the two. Before we get into their differences, though, let’s first take a look at what makes them similar!
| PSAT | SAT | |
| Subjects tested | Math Reading and Writing | Math Reading and Writing |
| Overall structure | Multiple choice Occasional right in answers in math section Two main subjects tested | Multiple choice Occasional right in answers in math section Two main subjects tested |
| Guessing Penalty | There is no penalty for guessing (so be sure to answer every question!) | There is no penalty for guessing (so be sure to answer every question!) |
| Time / Time per question | 64 minutes for Reading and Writing (1 minute 11 seconds per question) 70 minutes for Math (1 minute 35 seconds per question) | 64 minutes for Reading and Writing (1 minute 11 seconds per question) 70 minutes for Math (1 minute 35 seconds per question) |
| Number of questions | 54 Reading and Writing questions 44 Math questions 98 total questions | 54 Reading and Writing questions 44 Math questions 98 total questions |
PSAT vs. SAT: What makes them different?
So, we’ve now gone over the similarities between the PSAT and SAT – but what makes them different?
| PSAT | SAT | |
| Purpose | The PSAT is seen as an “SAT Practice Test” and allows students to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program | The SAT is primarily used as a college admission tool, helping colleges compare students from vastly different places and backgrounds |
| Registration | Schools will typically purchase and administer PSAT assessments on their own, and students will be allowed to sign up for the exams at school. However, schools may require students to sign up themselves. Homeschooled students interested in taking the PSAT can also sign up to take the exam at nearby schools. | Students can do this by logging into their College Board accounts and registering online. Alternatively, if students take the SAT during an SAT School Day, one’s school will electronically register students or have students fill out registration information on their answer sheet. |
| Scores | 320 – 1520 total score Each section of the exam contributes equally to your score 4 available scores: Total score, Section scores, NMSC selection index score | 400 – 1600 total score Each section of the exam contributes equally to your score |
| Additional Scores | On the PSAT score report students will have a section called the Knowledge and Skills section. This includes a score for each of the eight content areas measured on the PSAT. There are four content areas in the Math section and four in the Reading and Writing section. | The SAT has additional score sections that the PSAT doesn’t. These include Cross-Test scores and Subscores. Cross-Test scores measure your ability to analyze science and history/social studies questions. These scores are pulled from the test as a whole, not individual questions. |
PSAT vs. SAT: What makes them different?
So, we’ve now gone over the similarities between the PSAT and SAT – but what makes them different?
PSAT |
SAT |
|
| Purpose |
|
|
| Registration |
|
|
| Scores |
|
|
| Additional
Scores |
|
|
Also see: SAT/ACT scores: to send or not to send?
Logistics
Now onto the logistics! Let’s talk very briefly about the last few things that differ between each test!
Cost
The cost of a PSAT is typically covered by one’s school. The SAT, however, is far more expensive, costing $60 to register. If you’re interested in securing a fee waiver for either exam (or for your college applications in general), we highly recommend you check out How to get a college application fee waiver and check with your high school counselor!
Where can you take the exams
This one’s pretty simple. The PSAT can only be taken at schools, while the SAT can be taken at both schools and test centers.
When (and how many times) you can take the exam
The PSAT is offered only once a year, typically in October. The SAT, on the other hand, is offered seven times throughout the school year (or can be taken on a SAT School Day). Thus, while students are only expected to take the PSAT once or twice, it is not uncommon for students to take the PSAT many more times in hopes of securing a higher score. To see a full list of this year’s SAT test dates (and their score release dates), we would recommend checking out our SAT score release schedule!
Practicing for the exams
Considering how similar the content between the PSAT and SAT are, studying for one of them has the benefit of preparing you for the other as well! With that in mind, here are some tips we have for either exam:
- Be familiar with each section’s instructions before taking the exam
- You don’t want to have to waste time reading directions when you could be answering questions!
- Answer the questions you know first. Then, go back to the harder ones later
- Use the process of elimination (strike out answers you’re sure are incorrect)
- Answer every question – there is no penalty for guessing wrong
- Budget your time!
- Bring a watch or timer if you need to (but not an Apple watch – those aren’t allowed)
- Fully understand each question before answering it
Frequently asked questions about the PSAT vs. SAT
What is the benefit of taking the PSAT?
Do colleges look at the PSAT or SAT?
What age takes the PSAT and the SAT?
Should I prepare differently for the PSAT and SAT?
Are accommodations available for both the PSAT and SAT?