The Practice SAT or PSAT is coming up in a matter of days. Are there circumstances such that a student should prep for it? Is it merely practice for the SAT/SAT I/SAT Reasoning Test? What are the similarities? How are they different? Are they very dissimilar? What is the significance of the PSAT? What is the best way to prep for it? This abbreviated article will discuss these questions.

PSAT scores range from 20-80, whereas SAT Reasoning Test scores range from 200-800. PSAT scores can be multiplied by 10 to compute the corresponding SAT I score.

The PSAT does not have the higher level math problems and essay of the SAT.

The SAT scores are seen by the universities. By contrast, the PSAT score is not considered by the universities..

There are a few differences in format. The PSAT is shorter than the SAT Reasoning Test. The PSAT requires a verbal "error recognition" section (a 30 minute multiple choice section that appears at the end) not incorporated in the SAT I.

Only rising juniors will qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Competition as determined by the PSAT. Accordingly, rising sophomores must care about the PSAT in the following scenarios only:
* they desire it for some school tracking
* they need a fantastic score for self-esteem

Rising juniors should worry about the PSAT in the following circumstances only:
* They are in a realistic range of National Merit recognition. Students will be commended with a score of about 200 or maybe more, depending upon the year and state. Students will become semi-finalists if they are in the top 1% in their state. Cut offs vary state by state. They have been roughly 218 in CT and NY.
* They can be in a realistic range of National Achievement (African-American) or National Hispanic scholarships, also associated with the PSAT and generally with slightly lower cut-offs.
* They need to take the PSAT for school tracking.
* They desire to take the PSAT for self-esteem.

The PSAT isn't worthwhile as a practice SAT Reasoning Test, for the reasons that the PSAT lacks the higher level math problems, essay in addition to the length present on the SAT. Furthermore, the PSAT requires a verbal "error recognition" section (a 30 minute multiple choice section that appears at the end) that isn't included in the SAT. Last of all, the PSAT is additionally inconvenient due to the fact scores aren't released until late December or maybe later.

For the majority of students, the PSAT is inessential. Nevertheless, if you fall into one or more of the four categories above and is interested some of our help, we are in a position to provide a competent tutor to help the student prep for the PSAT.

Our practice sessions for the SAT Reasoning Test offer a better snapshot score. Additionally, the student is provided IMMEDIATE feedback.

We provide a broad range of academic tutoring and test preparation services. Please visit http://ACTSATPrep.org for more information.