Difference Between SAT and the PSAT
The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the Preliminary Aptitude Test (PSAT) have little difference when it comes to the numerous assessments that the College Board offers.
About SAT
The College Board administers the SAT, which is a standardized test which is recognized for admissions in the United States.
It is a 3-hour MCQ test with two sections:
Math and Evidence-Based
Reading and Writing
Total Score: 1600 (each section of 800)
To get into the Ivy League, ensure that you have an SAT score of over 1450.
It's registration costs $55 for US students.
About PSAT
PSAT is considered as a practice test of the SAT.
It is a base for the national merit scholarship which US students have eligibility to take.
If you get the high score in the PSAT in junior year, you will be awarded $180 million.
The top score for scholarship eligibility is 99th percentile and the preferred score is 1370-1520.
Total test consists of 1520 points (760 points of each section).
Differences Between SAT and the PSAT includes:
Purpose:
The SAT is taken to assess the readiness for undergraduate admissions.
PSAT score is not used for admission purposes, it acts as a primer for SAT score.
Difficulty Level
PSAT are less difficult as it's for students of 10th and 11th.
SAT is quite difficult as it's for students of 11th and 12th.
Duration
Duration of SAT is 4 hours
PSAT consists of 2 hours and 45 minutes
Essay Section
For the SAT, an optional essay section is provided
For PSAT, there is no essay section
Scoring
SAT consists of 1600 points (each section of 800)
PSAT consists of 1520 points (each section of 760)
Number of Attempts
Students can give SAT multiple times in a year
Students can give PSAT once a year in October.
Now that you know all the difference between SAT and PSAT, you can decide to take up the PSAT before SAT.
It will help boost your SAT scores so go for it without giving it a second thought!
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