PSAT vs SAT: What You Need to Know About the Preliminary SAT

There are three major kinds of reaction to the PSAT and SAT tests: fear, excitement, or curiosity. Chances are they describe you at different points since you learned you must take the tests. However, you can move from fear, anxiety, or dread to excitement by knowing the answers to every test question and gaining confidence. In this article, we will explore the main differences between the PSAT vs SAT, what makes them important, and how you can ace the scores. So buckle in and keep reading.

FAQ: Preliminary SAT (PSAT)

What Is the PSAT?

The letter P means preliminary, so PSAT stands for Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test. Think of it like the practice SAT before the main SAT. Its purpose is to help test takers, aka students like you, gauge their skills and readiness for the SAT by testing their reading, writing, and SAT math skills. What’s more? Some PSAT test takers have a chance to earn several scholarships, including the one from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. 

What Is the PSAT Max Score?

Of course, everyone is eager to know what is the highest score on the PSAT. The PSAT scoring scale is from 320 to 1520, which is the PSAT max score. This number is calculated by adding up all your section scores, namely the Math section score, Language, and Reading and Writing scores. Of course, you would need to create an excellent study strategy to get a test score this high, but it is possible (more on that later).

What Is the Highest PSAT Score Needed for Scholarships?

All 11th-grade PSAT/NMSQT test takers can get the National Merit Scholarships worth $2,500 if they meet the qualifying score. This score has to place you firmly within the range of the required cut-off marks for the selection index, which can differ from one state to another. For example, the selection index cutoff score in California is 221, but it’s 210 in Montana, 211 in South Dakota, etc.

Note that the only National Merit Scholarship qualifying test is the PSAT/NMSQT, which differs from the PSAT 8/9 and the PSAT 10. Unlike other tests, the PSAT/NMSQT deals with a more advanced subject matter, though it’s somewhat similar to the PSAT 10 in scoring, duration, and format. You can win the scholarship if your total score is in the 99th percentile ranking range. Naturally, winning the National Merit Scholarship will undoubtedly make your application look cool. 

Is It Possible to Get the Max PSAT Score?

The only correct answer is yes! Patrick, a student from Adel, Iowa, scored a perfect 1520, which is the max PSAT score possible. If you want to achieve the same feat, you must be ready to put in the effort consistently (more on that later). 

How Do You Get Your PSAT Score Report? 

Naturally, many students are worried about their digital PSAT/NMSQT scores as they define what steps they need to take to prepare for the SATs successfully. To get your PSAT score report, check it online using your personal College Board account. Alternatively, you can ask your school counselor or check it on the BigFuture School mobile app. 

Does the PSAT Influence College Admissions? 

The PSAT is a practice test, and as such, it cannot guarantee or influence your college admissions. Still, many students with the highest score on PSAT also do well in the actual SATs. So, it can be a good indicator of your future SAT score. But keep in mind that this is not always the case. 

Clearly, everyone wants to get the PSAT highest score, especially since a poor result becomes a problem when qualifying for certain types of aids. For example, low scores won’t get you on the National Merit consideration list. Since your PSAT scores indicate your overall academic performance, poor results may make you less eligible for scholarships or academic support programs.

PSAT Scores Range

Since the PSAT tests your skills in three sections, your scores depend on the number of questions you are able to answer correctly. Keep in mind that there is no penalty for a wrong guess. The PSAT/NNMSQT scores are divided into seven different parts:

• Total score. Your total score can range from 320 to a maximum of 1520. This is a combined score of your section scores. 
• Section scores. The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score is 160-760. The Math scores are the same – 160-760. Together, these make up your total score.
• Subscores. These range from 1 to 15 and test your abilities to use words in context, command of evidence, expression of ideas, analysis, etc. 
• Cross-test scores. They vary from 8 to 38. The cross-test scores show your analytical abilities in History/Social Studies and Science. 
• The National Merit Scholarship Corporation selection index. The NMSC selection index is obtained by doubling your section test scores, the Reading and Writing scores, the Language scores, and the Math scores. As previously mentioned, the cutoff score varies from state to state, but generally, a good PSAT score to qualify needs to be in the top 1%.
• Question-level feedback. This is a breakdown of all the test questions, showing which ones you missed and which fall into the subscore and cross-test categories. You’ll get an access code to view the question-level feedback online.

PSAT vs SAT: Key Differences All Test Takers Should Know

Some students already know what to expect from more advanced SAT math compared to the PSAT, but are those the only differences? Here are some more distinctions you may notice:

#1 Frequency

The SAT is offered multiple times throughout the year, unlike the PSAT, which is available only once a year in October. You have to register with your school to take the PSAT, but you have more options for the SAT registration, including choosing to do it on your own through the College Board website.

#2 Cost

Source: satsuite.collegeboard.org

The PSAT may cost very little or even nothing for some students. Some schools even waive the fee, while others may charge you less than $20. The SAT costs much more – $60, and even more if you are an international student. In this case, you’ll have to pay an extra $43 charge as a regional fee. A late registration fee can cost an additional $30. Do you want to change the test center or cancel your registration altogether? Pay $25 more.

Of course, you can apply for the SAT fee waiver if you meet the conditions, but even so, you might still end up spending extra money if you ever need to send your score reports to more than four colleges. The same happens if you want to learn your scores by phone or ever archive them. All in all, the SAT is definitely more expensive than the PSAT.

#3 Scores

The score range for the PSAT vs SAT is also different. For the PSAT, it is between 320 and 1520, while the SAT starts at 400 and goes up to 1600. Still, a perfect PSAT score is not the same as 1600. 

The thing is that the PSAT scores are a combination of the scores from two sections, the Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing and Math, scaled from a raw score of 38 points (for PSAT/NMSQT) and 36 (for PSAT 8/9). The SAT scores are scaled from your raw score out of 40 points.  

#4 Difficulty Level

Is the PSAT easier than the SAT? If you ask other test takers, you will learn that the SAT is far more advanced than the PSAT. The latter is meant to give you feedback on your readiness for the SAT. Besides, the PSAT has a shorter time duration and fewer questions.

For example, the PSAT Reading test has 47 questions and lasts 60 minutes, while the SAT Reading test requires you to answer 52 questions in 65 minutes. In total, the PSAT lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes, while the SAT lasts 3 hours. And don’t forget that your PSAT score does not impact your college admissions prospects, unlike the SAT, which is still required by some colleges.

#5 Testing Locations and Retakes

You can take the SAT on a weekday in your school or on Saturday at a testing center. The digital PSAT can only be written on a weekday in your school. In the same vein, you can retake the SAT as many times as you need, but there are no retake options for the PSAT/NMSQT, which gives you only one opportunity to take part in the National Merit Scholarship program.

Why Prepare for Both the PSAT and the SAT?

Since the PSAT doesn’t influence your chances of getting into college, is there really any need to take it? It may seem like it makes more sense to skip the PSAT and worry about the SAT only. But here is why high-school students like you should take the PSAT:

• The PSAT can be your chance to earn a scholarship that will go towards your college tuition, especially if you are in the high or competitive PSAT percentiles.
• Both tests are similar in structure, format, etc., so it makes sense to take both since you are already prepping for one anyway.
• The PSAT builds your confidence for the SAT by uncovering your strengths and weaknesses early enough for you to address them.

How to Prepare for the PSAT

If you want a PSAT score report that you can be proud of, you must do the following:

• Study consistently and strategically. There is no substitute for consistent study habits. You want to prep the same way you would for the digital SAT. After all, this is a practice for the SAT. 
• Pay more attention to the most complicated subjects and get the help you need to improve those areas. Need extra help? Consider hiring an online private tutor.
• Find a quiet, clutter-free zone for your studies.
• Take lots of practice tests.

Conclusion 

Indeed, there are differences between the PSAT vs SAT, yet both measure your overall academic performance and readiness for college. Don’t let a low PSAT score bum you out, but don’t let an impressive one fool you, either. You will still need to keep up with the good study habits you have built so far if you hope to get an SAT score that will make your college application process easier.