What’s the difference between the SAT and PSAT?

Last Updated: May 26, 2025

Wondering about the difference between the PSAT (Preliminary SAT) and SAT? While both exams are part of the College Board’s SAT Suite of Assessments, they serve distinct purposes in a student’s academic journey.

In this guide, we’ll walk through:

• The key differences between the PSAT and SAT
• How scoring works on each test
• What the PSAT means for your future SAT performance
• When students should take each exam

What Is the PSAT?

The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) is a standardized test designed to help students practice for the SAT and get a sense of their academic strengths. Administered by schools, it comes in three forms:

• PSAT 8/9 – For 8th and 9th graders
• PSAT 10 – For 10th graders
• PSAT/NMSQT – For 11th graders; qualifies students for National Merit Scholarships

While PSAT scores aren’t submitted to colleges, they provide valuable insight and serve as a practice test for the SAT.

Is the PSAT the Same as the SAT?

No. While both SAT and PSAT are created by the College Board and use the same digital testing platform, they’re not identical.

Here are the main differences:

• The PSAT is shorter and slightly easier than the SAT
• It’s not reported to colleges
• It only goes up to 1440, whereas the SAT goes to 1600
• It’s only offered on specific school days in October

What Is the SAT?

The SAT is a college entrance exam that assesses a student’s readiness for college-level work. Most colleges accept SAT scores as part of their application process. Offered multiple times a year at designated test centers, the SAT is a key benchmark in the application journey.

Since 2024, the SAT has become fully digital—shorter, more adaptive, and streamlined to better measure core academic skills. Students are still tested on Reading & Writing sections along with Math, but the adaptive format makes it a more personalized assessment.

Major Differences Between the PSAT and SAT

Content

Both exams test the same core areas—Reading & Writing and Math—but the SAT contains more advanced material, especially in math. The PSAT omits certain higher-level concepts that typically appear later in high school coursework.

Both tests now use adaptive digital testing. Your performance in the first module determines the difficulty of the second, allowing for a tailored assessment.

Time Length and Question Format

Here’s how the PSAT and SAT compare under the new digital structure:

Scoring

• PSAT scores range: 320–1520 (160–760 per section)

• SAT scores range: 400–1600 (200–800 per section)

Each exam provides section scores for Reading & Writing and Math, helping students see where they excel and where improvement is needed. While PSAT scores aren’t used for college admissions, they help students predict their SAT scores and track their academic growth over time.

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 PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is usually taken during junior year. This version matters because it’s the entry point into the National Merit Scholarship Program, a prestigious academic competition that can lead to recognition and scholarships.

To qualify, a student’s score must be in the top 50,000 among all test-takers nationwide. From there, the process works in stages:

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

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 provide personalized test prep plans, timeline strategy, and insider guidance from former admissions officers.

🎯 Ready to plan your testing strategy? Book a free consultation with our team today.