PSAT® vs. SAT® -- What's the Difference?

Regarding the PSAT®, there are actually three different versions run each year: the PSAT 8/9®, PSAT 10®, and the PSAT NMSQT® (for 11th graders).

While the PSAT 8/9® and PSAT 10® are great practice opportunities for students to familiarize themselves with the testing process, sitting for these exams, for the most part, doesn’t translate to any direct academic benefit. A few summer programs or high schools may look at the PSAT 8/9® and 10® for determining admission, but in terms of applying to college, these exams are more of practice than they are anything else.

The PSAT NMSQT® is more multi-faceted. While this test CANNOT be utilized as a score to apply to college (or for NCAA requirements), students who do take it may be considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program®. But do note this is an extremely selective program - only the top 1% (15,000 test takers) are even named semifinalists. Of that 15,000, only 7,250 are granted finalist status and qualify for academic scholarships. So, unless your student is scoring at the tippy-top, National Merit® probably is out of the picture. Most schools, though, do build the PSAT NMSQT® into a given school day, so it can’t hurt to take the test, as it contains the exact same content as does the SAT®, so it’s great practice.

Now, to point out the differences between the SAT® and PSAT NMSQT®. Contrary to popular belief, doing explicit “PSAT® prep” is unnecessary, as the PSAT® and SAT® cover the same content - the only difference is the number of questions and timing. So by preparing for the SAT®, you are preparing for the PSAT®.

The Takeaway: The SAT® and PSAT® test the same content, so there isn’t a need to explicitly prep for the PSAT® if you are already prepping for the SAT®. Your best bet is to focus on the tests that are truly fundamental to admissions and merit-based scholarships in college, the SAT® and ACT®, as these will have more profound impacts on your child’s academic opportunities and success.