The PSAT and the SAT: Myths, Tips, and FAQ’s

This tip for improving your SAT score was provided by Courtney Tran at Veritas Prep.

The PSAT receives considerably less attention than the SAT, and rightly so; for most students, it is far less consequential to the college and scholarship application process. It is, however, important enough to merit some serious consideration. Here are a few key things to know about the test.

The PSAT isn’t a “practice SAT”.

Despite its colloquial name and despite its SAT-like format and subject material, the PSAT is not an adequate practice test for the SAT. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, the length difference between the two tests is substantial: the PSAT lasts 130 minutes, while the SAT lasts 225 (not including breaks.) Mental endurance is just as necessary as conceptual understanding in practicing for the SAT. The PSAT also lacks an essay section, which many students consider the most intimidating part of the SAT. Due to these and other disparities, students seeking SAT practice would benefit far more from official SAT practice tests than from the PSAT.

Take the PSAT anyway.

It’s less important than the SAT in terms of college admissions, but still absolutely worth taking, both sophomore and junior year. The sophomore year test cannot qualify students for National Merit, but does not count against sophomores in any way, reviews academic concepts that most sophomores have already encountered in school, and serves as good practice, both for the junior year test and for standardized tests in general. Though the PSAT should not be considered a practice test for the SAT, it can be considered a good primer, since the test material and question formats are very similar. Furthermore, the PSAT also goes by the name NMSQT, or National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test; a high junior year PSAT score can lead to a hefty scholarship. The test fee is low and worth it.

SAT practice strategies carry over to the PSAT…sort of.

Standardized test prep time is far better spent on the SAT than the PSAT, since a high SAT score generally counts for more than a high PSAT score does and since most people find the PSAT a slightly easier test. Fortunately, many SAT strategies and concepts, both generic and subject-specific, are highly transferable to the PSAT. Students need not choose one test or the other to prepare for; SAT preparation can address both.

Plan on taking the SAT soon? Take advantage of Veritas Prep’s free SAT resources, including free SAT video lessons.