Could you use an SAT book to study for the PSAT?

Question

I just don't want to have to buy/study for the PSAT AND the SAT separately. Could I just study my SAT book and not study for the PSAT? Do you think that it would have the same results? What do you think is best for me to do?

Answer 1

As long as you are aware of the differences in the two tests (the PSAT is much shorter and doesn't have an essay), it should be fine.  Just be aware that the material on the SAT is considerably more difficult than that of the PSAT.  Also be aware that because there are fewer questions on the PSAT, there is less room for error due to the nasty curve.  For example, I took the SAT and score a 2310 but received a 213 on the PSAT because I made careless errors that cost me.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Yes, you can (and should) use an SAT book to study for the PSAT.  Everything that you need to know for the PSAT will be included in the SAT book (and most SAT books even have a special chapter dedicated to the PSAT to explain the differences between the two).  I never studied for the PSAT directly, only the SAT, and I ended up getting 80s in all the sections on the PSAT (although my 80 in writing was when I was a sophomore, and then I got 80's in math and reading when I was a junior, but still...).  The only differences between the SAT and PSAT is that the PSAT is shorter, doesn't include Algebra 2 concepts, and has no essay.