PSAT vs. SAT: Is the PSAT Easier?

Millions of college-bound students take the SAT every year. You probably know that many colleges use the test (or the ACT) in the admissions process. But what about the PSAT? Why do you take it? Is it easier than the SAT — and what can it tell you about how you’ll do on the college admissions test?

What are the PSAT and SAT?

The PSAT is used primarily to give students an introduction to standardized testing and practice for the SAT proper. It is also used as a qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship program (this is why it’s called the PSAT/NMSQT; NMSQT stands for “National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test”). 

Eligible students who are juniors at the time of the test are automatically entered into the National Merit competition, which includes several levels. Top 1% scorers are designated semi-finalists, and they go on to compete for $2,500 finalist scholarships based on test scores, grades, recommendations, and an essay.

Students also receive detailed score reports after taking the PSAT, which will help guide their preparation for the SAT. An interesting fact is that “PSAT” doesn’t actually stand for “pre-SAT.” It actually stands for “Preliminary Scholarship Aptitude Test.”

The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test), meanwhile, is used for college admissions purposes. Prior to the pandemic, most colleges in the US required students to submit scores from either the SAT or ACT. Since many students were unable to test during the pandemic, a majority of schools became test-optional for the 2020-2021 admissions cycle, and some are reevaluating their policies going forward.

PSAT vs. SAT: Key Differences

Wondering how exactly these tests differ? Here’s what you need to know.

1. Grade Levels

Students normally take the PSAT between grades 8 and 11. There are three variations: PSAT 8/9 (for 8th and 9th graders), PSAT 10 (for 10th graders), and PSAT/NMSQT (for 11th graders). 

Meanwhile, the SAT can be taken any year, although we recommend doing so in grades 11 and 12, when you’ll have gained the most knowledge of the material covered.

2. Content Difficulty

While the tests follow the same structure and cover the same content, the SAT is more difficult than the PSAT. They do cover the same subjects, but the SAT’s material is a bit more advanced, reflecting the expectation that students will have learned more by the time they take the test. 

3. Length 

The SAT without the essay is 20 minutes longer than the PSAT; with the essay, it’s more than an hour longer. The chart below shows the section-by-section breakdown:

4. Scoring

The SAT score range is 400-1600 total, with each of the two sections, Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW), scored between 200-800. If you complete the essay, you’ll receive three total essay scores, one each for a different dimension, each graded on a scale of 2-8. A “good” SAT score is highly dependent on the colleges you’re aiming for.

Subscores, which measure your skills in different areas, such as Expression of Ideas (EWR) and Heart of Algebra (Math). The main subsections of EWR, Reading and Writing and Language, are each scored on a scale of 10-40.

The PSAT, meanwhile, is graded on a scale of 320-1520, with each section scored between 160-760. See our post What is a Good PSAT Score? for more info on how you stack up with other test-takers.

Like the SAT subsections, PSAT subsections are scored between 1-15. However, Reading and Writing and Language are each scored on a scale of 1-40.

If you want to convert your PSAT score to a predicted SAT score, take a look at this table. Keep in mind that the PSAT scores are for the PSAT/NMSQT and not for other versions of the test. You’re also not guaranteed to perform equally well on the SAT; you will need to study and get a strong grasp of the more difficult material.

5. Essay

The SAT has an optional essay, which some colleges require (in non-pandemic years). The essay is scored separately and no impact on your composite score. Meanwhile, the PSAT has no essay.

6. Cost & Timing

The PSAT/NMSQT costs $16, and is offered once per year in October (there is an extra January sitting in 2021 because of the pandemic). The SAT costs $49.50, and is offered multiple times per year.

Is the PSAT Easier Than the SAT?

Yes — for the most part, the PSAT is easier than the SAT. The test takes less time to complete, and the content covered is not as difficult. But remember that you’ll probably take the SAT later in school, when you’ve learned more.

The PSAT can also be a good indicator of your performance on the SAT. No matter how you do, though, you should still study for the SAT. The PSAT can also serve as a way to guide your preparation for the SAT, allowing you to pinpoint your weaker areas and focus on honing them. Check out our guides for help with your preparation, too.

How will your standardized test scores factor into your admissions decisions? When predicting whether you’ll be admitted to your top schools, we’ll take your scores, GPA, extracurriculars, and other factors into consideration. Our Chancing Engine will pinpoint your real chances of admission to more than 500 colleges and universities — all for free.