PSAT vs SAT: What’s the difference?

Last Updated: May 19, 2025

While both tests are part of the College Board’s assessment suite, the SAT and PSAT serve distinctly different purposes in your college journey. The SAT stands as a critical component of college applications, while the PSAT offers valuable practice and potential scholarship opportunities.

What Are the SAT and PSAT?

The SAT Explained

The SAT is a standardized college entrance exam for college-bound high school students. Undergraduate admissions offices often use SAT scores as a determination of an applicant’s college readiness. Students can opt to sign up for official SAT exams that are offered by College Board at various times throughout the year.

As of 2024, the SAT has fully transitioned to a digital format. This digital version is shorter, adaptive, and designed to provide a more streamlined testing experience while measuring the same fundamental skills.

The PSAT Explained

The PSAT is the “preliminary” or practice version of the exam and in the U.S., it is administered by school officials between two to three times throughout high school via three versions: PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, and the PSAT/NMSQT.

While the PSAT exams may not be mandatory, it is highly recommended students take them to get sufficient practice should they plan on taking the official SAT down the road. The PSAT has also transitioned to a digital format, creating a consistent testing experience from practice to the official exam.

Major Differences Between the PSAT and SAT

Content

There are differences in content between the PSAT and the SAT, especially in the math section, because College Board takes into account differences in subject knowledge students learn throughout high school. Students can expect to see more advanced math topics as they progress through versions of the PSAT and when they take the SAT. 

The digital versions of both tests now feature adaptive testing, where your performance on the first module determines the difficulty level of the second module. This allows for a more personalized assessment of your abilities while maintaining the distinct difficulty levels between the PSAT and SAT.

Time Length and Question Format

Both the digital SAT and PSAT are now significantly shorter than their paper predecessors. The digital format for both tests includes:

Digital SAT and PSAT Structure:

• Total test time: 134 minutes (compared to 180 minutes for the paper SAT)
• Total questions: 98 (compared to 154 on the paper SAT)
• Two sections: Reading & Writing and Math
• Each section divided into two modules
• Adaptive testing format where performance on the first module determines the difficulty of the second module
• Calculators allowed throughout the entire Math section

This streamlined format reduces testing fatigue while still providing a comprehensive assessment of your academic skills.

Scoring

SAT is scored on a range from 320 to 1520 (160 to 760 points per section); SAT scores range from 400 to 1600 (200 to 800 points per section). Students can refer to their PSAT score percentile to compare what their SAT score would be for the same percentile.

Digital Format Changes for 2025

The transition to digital testing represents a significant evolution for both the SAT and PSAT. Key features of the digital format include:

• Adaptive Testing: Performance on the first module determines the difficulty of questions in the second module
• Bluebook Testing App: All tests are taken on the College Board’s Bluebook application
• Device Flexibility: Students can use school-provided devices or bring their own laptop or tablet
• Built-in Tools: Digital calculator (Desmos), highlight and note-taking features
• Faster Results: Scores available in days instead of weeks
• Secure Testing Environment: Internet access is restricted during the test

Understanding the PSAT Versions

PSAT 8/9: Early Prepration

This is intended for eighth and ninth graders – it is a low-stakes exam, as colleges and universities will not see or request these scores. It’s used to help identify areas of study that students may need to work on.

PSAT 10: Building Testing Skills

This is intended for tenth graders – and it is also a low-stakes exam. Colleges and universities will not see or request these scores. The PSAT 10 is used to help students become familiar with the types of questions they will see on the SAT and to get a sense of how they might perform on the PSAT/NMSQT.

PSAT/NMSQT: Scholarship Opportunities

The third version of the PSAT that students typically take during junior year of high school is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Students will need to take this version of the exam to enter into the running for the National Merit Scholarship program, an academic competition for recognition and college scholarships. Their score must be ranked in the top 50,000 of all test-takers to advance in the competition. 

In September of senior year, two-thirds of this group are Commended – meaning they will be formally acknowledged for their achievement, but they unfortunately won’t advance in the competition. Commended students, however, may still be eligible for some special scholarships provided by corporate or business sponsors. The remaining one-third will move on as Semifinalists – belonging to the highest scorers in each state. Semifinalists will be asked to complete scholarship application materials that will be used by College Board to further assess their merit. Finalists are announced during the spring of their senior year, and are eligible to receive National Merit scholarships and special scholarships of various amounts awarded by College Board, corporate sponsors, and/or college sponsors.

Next Steps in Your Testing Journey

If you want to turn your PSAT experience into a powerful launchpad for SAT success, now’s the time to act. Our admissions experts offer tailored strategies, test prep guidance, and insider insights to help you stand out in a competitive admissions landscape. Reach out today to start planning your winning path to college.