College Admissions Toolkit: Demystifying The College Admission Tests
Why should you take the PSAT?
Many parents also ask, “Are the PSAT and SAT the same exam? Do I need to prepare for the PSAT exam?”.
Most parents and students rightfully presume that the PSAT stands for practice SAT or preparatory SAT. In a way they may be right, because The PSAT is nearly (not exactly) modeled after the official SAT, which most colleges and universities list as an important admissions requirement. Read below to learn the similarities and the differences between the PSAT and the SAT exams.
The Purpose of the PSAT and the SAT exams:
The college admission committees use SAT exam results as one of the essential parameters in the student recruitment process. The quality of education and the education standards, etc. vary among the states, school districts and neighborhoods. These standardized tests give an option to compare students from various backgrounds.
Several colleges and universities have eliminated standardized test results from their admission criteria. However, if you are seeking scholarships, which you should do, then you must take the SAT or ACT or both. Most, if not all merit-based financial scholarship applications require SAT or ACT test results as part of the selection process.
Students take the PSAT exam once a year during their freshman, sophomore and the junior years in the high school. The PSAT exam is not used for the college admission process. The PSAT exam is similar but NOT identical to the SAT exam. The PSAT exam helps students familiarize with the standardized testing format, but without the pressure to excel.
Many school districts administer the PSAT to prepare high school students for the all-important SAT exam. At FPLA we recommend you take all the exams seriously and do the best of your ability. Students should take the SAT exam during the second half of their junior year and before they start their senior year.
The PSAT exam that is administered during the month of October of junior year is also referred to as the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Exam). The exam results serve as the most important criterion of qualifying the students for the National Merit Scholarship.
Listed below are a few key similarities and differences between the PSAT and the SAT exams.
PSAT / NMSQT | SAT | |
|---|---|---|
Purpose | Standardized test | An Important College Admission requirement |
When to take | 11th grade | Second half of 11th grade |
Score Range | 320-1520 | 400-1600 |
Topic Ranges | Both cover the same range of subjects and topics | Both cover the same range of subjects and topics |
How many times I can take the test | Only once | Unlimited; Recommended maximum 3 |
Who pays for the exam? | The school pays for the exam | Paid by the school or by the student |
Effect on College Admission Process | Eligibility for National Merit Scholarship | An Important College Admission requirement |
Should I prepare for the PSAT exam?
Preparation is the key to success. A prepared mind is ready to take on any challenges thrown its way. Though all the exams are important, some exams have greater impact in academic progression. As mentioned elsewhere, the outcome of the PSAT/NMSQT exam is important for those competing for the National Merit Scholarship.
The odds of winning the National Merit Scholarship is low. Less than 7,500 students eventually qualify as national merit scholarship finalists. If you are aspiring to win the national merit scholarship, you can improve your chances by preparing for the exam. Moreover, preparation for the PSAT will serve as the preparation for the all-important SAT as well. Therefore, it is in your best interest to prepare for the PSAT exam. Remember no preparation goes to waste.
Both the PSAT and the SAT exams cover the same subjects and topics. Differences, if any, will be at the grade level. Without mincing words, students who have proficiency over Algebra 2, Pre-calculus, Algebra and Trigonometry have an advantage over those who have not completed Algebra 2.
What is the Structure of the PSAT and the SAT Exams?
There are several similarities between the PSAT and the SAT. Both exams share the same structure and have four sections: Section 1 is the Reading Section. Section 2 covers Writing and Language. Both sections are evaluated together to give the Evidence Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) score. Section 3 covers Math without Calculator, and Section 4 covers Math with Calculator.
The Reading section (Section 1) tests students’ comprehension of several written passages, covering topics ranging from History, Science, Social Science, Politics, Literature and more. Students are also expected to answer questions on, and to be able to compare, two parallel passages. A broad understanding of various subjects including science, social sciences, history, politics, religion etc. is noted to help students ace these sections.
The Writing section (Section 2) tests students’ grammar skills. This section requires students to be familiar with the rules and conventions of the English language. Questions will require students to correct any grammatical issues in each passage.
The Math sections have both multiple choice and fill in the response questions.
Thankfully, both tests impose no penalty for wrong answers. Since all the questions have four options, you have a 25% chance to get a correct answer. If you do not answer, you have a 0% chance of earning any points. 25% is greater than 0%. Therefore, do not leave any question unanswered.
What are the differences between the PSAT and SAT exams?
Though both the PSAT and SAT exams share similar structures, the number of questions in each of the sections is different. The duration of the exam is different, and so is the score range.
The SAT score NOT the PSAT score is an essential admission requirement for most colleges and universities. Colleges and Universities do not take the PSAT score into consideration for the admission process. A mediocre performance in the PSAT will not affect your college admission prospects, whereas a poor SAT score will affect the college admission process and diminish scholarship opportunities.
The PSAT/NMSQT is administered only once during the month of October of the junior year of high school. It helps those students who are aspiring to the National Merit Scholarship award. From among the 1.6 million students who take this test every year in the US, less than 7500 students earn the coveted title of “National Merit Scholar FINALIST”.
Less than 0.5% of 11th graders earn this coveted title. This privileged group of students will have access to generous scholarship opportunities, increased admission prospects to top level colleges and rightfully earn bragging rights. For others it is yet another exam.
What is the score range for the PSAT and SAT exams?
The PSAT and the SAT tests have slightly different scales. 320-1520 is the scale for the PSAT exam, whereas 400-1600 is the scale for the SAT exam. Correspondingly, the PSAT’s EBRW and Math section scores range between 160-760, and the SAT’s EBRW and the Math section scores range between 200-800.
Strange as it may sound, you will receive a minimum score of 320 in the PSAT and 400 in the SAT exam, for just showing up at the test center, receiving the test, writing your name and returning it, even without answering a single question. Experience shows that the PSAT test results do not accurately predict your performance in the SAT.
You can retrieve 10 full length SAT test papers from the official college board website. Take a practice placement test with one of the 10 retired SAT test papers. It is the best way to gauge your preparedness. At FPLA we administer these practice tests and analyze the results using our own proprietary SAT test analysis software. You will receive a customized test report and the valuable suggestions to improve your test performance. Call or text us at 833-PRO-TUTR (833-776-8887) for a free consultation.
Do I Need to Take the Essay Section on the PSAT and the SAT Exams?
You have some good news here. The PSAT exam has no essay section. Therefore, cannot even take the essay section in the PSAT exam.
The essay section in the SAT is optional. Consequently, not all the colleges require you to take the essay section. However, many nationally ranked universities, Ivy League Universities and colleges require you to have taken the essay section of the SAT exam. We recommend you contact the college of your interest, understand the application requirements and plan accordingly.
At FPLA, we assist students prepare for the SAT test, learn to effective essay writing techniques, write college admission essays, offer college admissions seminars, and scholarship application tips. Call or text 833-PRO-TUTR (833-776-8887) or schedule a free consultation session using this link. Or, sign up for our FREE classes happening right now!