By Srisha
If you’re in high school, you’ve probably already heard about the SAT and you might be nervous. What is the SAT? And what’s the PSAT? What is a good score? When should I start thinking about the SAT? What should I study for? Why is there more than one PSAT? You might have many questions like these, which I did too. So, let’s start from the beginning.
The SAT is a college readiness test that you usually take in your junior year of high school or 11th grade. It tests your reading, writing, and math knowledge. The test is scored on a range of 400 to 1600. The reading/writing part gets 800 and the math gets 800. Pretty simple. Most of the questions are multiple-choice and some might be type-in responses (only in Math). You get 70 minutes on the Math with 44 questions and 64 minutes on the Reading and Writing module with 54 questions. Both modules have two parts, with 10-minute breaks in between.
The PSAT is a mock test you take before the SAT so you get a gauge of how well you are doing and what you might need to improve. You can take the PSAT in 8/9th grade (depending on your school district), in 10th grade, and in the fall of 11th grade. The PSAT you take in 11th grade is also called NMSQT. Same sections but the PSAT is a little easier than the SAT. The PSAT is scored on a range of 320 to 1520.
What is the SAT and PSAT used for?
When you apply for college, you usually submit your SAT scores. Most Ivy League or private universities require a specific score range to even further look into your application. So a good SAT score means you have a better chance of getting into your dream school.
The PSAT is like a preview for you to see what track you are on for the SAT. I believe the PSAT score is important because it can get you a scholarship. You can qualify for The National Merit Scholarship Program with a good score on the PSAT taken during 11th grade. These scholarships are typically worth $2500 and being named a National Merit Scholar can give you a lot of benefits in college applications. The cut-off scores vary every year. This process can almost go until the end of your senior year.
What is on the SAT: Math
There are 2 sections on the Math PSAT and SAT. 4 main categories are tested:
- Algebra (13-15 questions): Linear functions, equations, and inequalities with 1 or 2 variables. Covered in Algebra I
- Advanced Math (13-15 questions): Nonlinear functions, such as, quadratic, exponential, polynomial, radical, and rational. Covered in Algebra II
- Problem-solving and Data Analysis (5-7 questions): Ratios, Proportions, Percentages, Probabilities, Statistics, Models (scatterplots, histograms), and how to interpret them. Covered in Geometry/7th/8th grade math
- Geometry and Trigonometry (5-7 questions): Area, volume, lines, angles, triangles, trigonometry, and circles. Covered in Geometry
What is on the SAT: Reading/Writing?
There are 2 sections on the Reading/Writing PSAT and SAT too. The 4 different domains are Information and Ideas, Craft and Structure, Expression of Ideas, and Standard English conventions.
You are tested on grammar, interpreting information from texts and reading charts, revising or correcting mistakes, and making connections through texts. Grammar and other skills are covered in English I and II and middle school. Just make sure you read a lot of books and learn vocabulary words that might be on the SAT, so you don’t have to guess on the test.
What is on the PSAT?
The same 4 domains from Math and Reading/Writing are tested, but the number of questions and the time limit are different. The PSAT 10 and 8/9 will also be much easier than the PSAT/NMSQT and the actual SAT.
How to prepare?
- Khan Academy: This is a perfect study material that helps me in all my classes. The SAT prep on Khan Academy covers all the parts that are tested and there are a lot of videos and quizzes that will help you prepare. Khan Academy also has other math/science courses you can study for.
- Bluebook: Bluebook is the app you use on test day and you can also take free practice tests on it. Once you download the app, you can log in with your college board account and take full-length practice tests for both the PSAT and SAT.
- Barron’s/Princeton Review/Kaplan: These review books for the SAT and PSAT have complete online practice tests, lots of drill questions, and explanations. Make sure you get the latest year and not the past ones.
- Social Media: There are also a lot of channels and accounts on YouTube and Instagram that are driven to coach students for the SAT.
Where do I find my scores?
You can view your SAT, PSAT test, and practice test scores on CollegeBoard. You can also discover everything about AP courses, careers, scholarships, colleges, and more. You can sign up for CollegeBoard, but make sure you only have one account.
So, which one is more important?
These are both important tests and the SAT might be more important because you submit scores to colleges. The PSAT is more valuable for you to practice in the testing environment and get an understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. And don’t worry, you can take the SAT more than once, even in your senior year if your past scores aren’t that good.
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