Difference between the PSAT and SAT??

Question

i'm going on my junior year, which means that i will take the PSAT in October. Last year, my PSAT score was 211, which wasn't really bad, but not high enough to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. (Although it didn't matter since I was a sophomore) I have been taking some practice tests out of the College Board's Official Guide to the SAT (the bible!); most of my scores were around 2250~2300. If I score around this range on the PSAT's, will I qualify for the NMS? Also, is the PSAT more difficult than the SATs? I've heard both sides of the argument, and I don't really know since I never actually took the real SATs. What is the difference, besides the length and the essay?

Also, how high do i need to score on the PSAT to qualify for the NMS?

Answer 1

PSATs are easier than the SAT.

2nd to be a NMS, you can get one question wrong and not be a NMS.  The criteria is: Earn a score on the PSAT that places you in the top 50,000 individuals nationwide

If you get a 2300 but 50,000 people get 2301, you won't get in..../

Answer 2

There are different score requirements for different states. If you got a 211 as a sophomore, you definitely can do well as a junior. No matter what state you're from, I can guarantee that if you at least get a 221, you will become a semi-finalist.

Keep in mind that you will need to take the SAT in order to receive the scholarships from National Merit.

If you have any other questions...email me at [e-mail].

Answer 3

If you score in that range on the PSATs, you will probably qualify for the NMS.  It varies from year to year and from state to state, but last year, the qualifying score for different states ranged from 200 to 223, so no matter what state you're in, you'll probably get it.  

In my opinion, the PSAT is easier than the SAT (I've taken both, multiple times).  There isn't too much difference in the questions themselves, but the math level that is tested on the PSAT is one level lower than the SAT's (which goes up to Algebra II, while the PSAT only goes up through Algebra I and Geometry).  Also, I know you already know this, but length makes a serious difference because of endurance.  Being in a test for only a few hours is different than being in a test for five hours, trust me on that.  You get hungry, you get tired, and even the most mentally tough and focused start to slip after awhile.