You're planning your testing timeline, and you're wondering whether to take the PSAT first. The straightforward answer is yes, taking the PSAT before the SAT makes sense for most students. Here's why, and how to think about whether it's the right choice for you.
The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) gives you a realistic preview of what the SAT will feel like. Both tests follow nearly identical formats and cover the same content areas. You'll encounter the same types of questions in Reading & Writing and Math sections, and both tests take 2 hours and 14 minutes to complete.
The main difference is in scoring. The PSAT uses a scale of 320 to 1520, while the SAT ranges from 400 to 1600. The PSAT also tends to be slightly less difficult, which makes it an ideal starting point if you're still building confidence with standardized tests.
When you take the PSAT, you're essentially getting a practice run at the real thing. Your score report will show you exactly where you're strong and where you need more support. You can use that information to focus your test preparation efforts where they'll make the biggest difference.
You want to qualify for National Merit recognition. If you take the PSAT during your junior year of high school and score in the top range, you become eligible for the National Merit Scholarship program. Out of 1.6 million students who take the test annually, about 50,000 qualify for recognition. Winning a National Merit Scholarship can open doors to additional college scholarships and enhance your college applications.
You're still deciding between the SAT and ACT. If you haven't settled on which test to take, the PSAT can help you understand whether the SAT format works well for you before committing significant time to preparation.
You benefit from low-stakes practice. The PSAT doesn't show up on your college applications. Colleges won't see your PSAT scores, which means you can treat it as a genuine learning experience without worrying about the results affecting your admissions chances.
You want data to guide your preparation. According to the research from College Board, students who complete full-length practice tests see meaningful score improvements. Students who take one, two, or three or more practice tests score on average about 25, 45, and 60 points higher respectively than students who don't take any practice tests.
Taking the PSAT helps you become familiar with the testing environment before the stakes feel higher. You'll know what to expect when you walk into the SAT testing room, from the format of questions to how the timing feels in real conditions.
Your PSAT results also give you a starting point for setting realistic SAT score goals. Once you see your baseline score, you can research the score ranges at colleges that interest you and determine how much improvement you'll want to aim for.
Most importantly, the PSAT helps you identify specific skills that need attention. If you struggle with the Reading section, you can focus your energy there. If Math comes easily but you lose points on careless mistakes, you know to work on accuracy. Targeted preparation is far more effective than studying everything equally.
For most students, taking the PSAT before the SAT is a smart strategic choice. You get real testing experience, valuable feedback about your skills, and a chance to qualify for merit scholarships, all without any risk to your college applications.
You should plan to take the PSAT in the fall of your junior year if you want to be eligible for National Merit consideration. Even if you're not aiming for that level of recognition, junior year gives you time to use your PSAT results to prepare for the SAT, which you'll likely take in spring of junior year or fall of senior year.
If you've already completed your junior year and missed the PSAT, you can still prepare effectively for the SAT using full-length practice tests. Missing the PSAT doesn't limit your SAT success. What matters most is giving yourself enough time to prepare thoughtfully, understanding how many times you should plan to take the test, and learning strategies that work for you.
At LifeWorks, our SAT preparation helps students build the skills and confidence they need for both the PSAT and SAT. We focus on developing information processing and logical thinking abilities that serve you well beyond test day. Get in touch to learn how we support students through the testing process with a whole-person approach.
