The SAT and PSAT are similar tests with different goals. The SAT is used for college admissions where the PSAT is used for scholarships. The PSAT is generally shorter and easier, being 15 minutes shorter than the SAT.
For the new PSAT, different tests will be administered specifically for grades 8, 9 and 10. For more information regarding these grade-level tests, see our page about the 2015 PSAT.
New PSAT | New SAT | |
---|---|---|
Evidence-Based Reading | 60-minute section 47 Questions |
65-minute section 52 Questions |
Evidence-Based Writing | 35-minute section 44 Questions |
35-minute section 44 Questions |
Math (calculator) | 45-minute section 31 Questions |
55-minute section 37 Questions |
Math (no calculator | 25-minute section 17 Questions | 25-minute section 20 Questions |
Essay | No Essay | Essay optional |