<p>I received a 238 on the PSAT and was wondering how different the PSAT is from the SAT. Is it much more difficult, or about the same?</p>
<p>Because you already received such a high score on the PSAT, there is mathematically a higher chance that you would score lower (but it shouldn’t be by much - only within variation) on the SAT. In terms of difficulty, I feel that the PSAT questions are a bit easier, but that’s just my personal opinion, which is partially based on the fact that the PSAT is a shorter test (so there’s less room to test harder stuff).</p>
<p>Otherwise, the main differences are 1) the addition of the essay on the SAT and 2) time/test length. The essay isn’t too tough, especially if you’re a fairly decent writer to start with, and the additional 1.5 hours to the test length is only troublesome if you’re fidgety and/or a poor test-taker (which I assume you’re not considering you have a 238).</p>
<p>Hope this helps! Congrats on the incredible PSAT score! :)</p>
<p>If you scored a 238 on the PSAT, then you should have no problem with the SAT. Work on your test-taking stamina by completing several full-length College Board practice tests. Write a few SAT essays under time pressure. Afterward, get some feedback/constructive criticism on your essay from a knowledgeable person.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>For me, the length of the SAT was really harsh for me (didn’t prep too much). Had trouble focusing after section 6. Score wise, my SAT >>>>> PSAT. Id say you should do just fine with your score. </p>
<p>@Bartleby007 I wouldn’t say that “you should have no problem with the SAT” after receiving a 238, considering the Writing section is more cut-off as to not include an actually essay prompt. But then again, It shows that the OP has grasped some knowledge on the test layout and that should help to the actual testing :)</p>
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@medicsz: I stand by my comment.
With preparation, every student of mine who has scored higher than 220 on the PSAT has eventually scored 2300+ on the SAT. For such students, an emphasis is placed on developing the stamina to remain 100% focused for the duration of the SAT.</p>
<p>@Bartleby007 It’s not tat they WON’T get a score higher than what was scored on the PSAT, but the fact that it does not apply to all of the test takers</p>
<p>The SAT is not significantly different, just longer. You’ll do fine. A qualifying score for NMF is just under 2000.</p>
<p>@Erin’s Dad The qualifying score all depends on your state. As of this year there is no state in which the qualifying score in below a 200. The lowest state score is Wyoming:203.</p>
<p>I felt the SAT was considerably easier. I scored 140 points higher than my PSAT without prep and 310 points higher with prep. May have just been that the SAT felt more important.</p>
<p>@Gatortristan I think you misunderstood Erin’s Dad, he was not referencing the qualifying score of the PSAT but was stating that the required score for the actual SAT for NM has historically been just under 2000. So if Nerdygirlyy scored a 238 on the PSAT as a Jr. (which puts her past historical cut offs in all states, 240 is a perfect score) she only needs to score about 2000 on her SAT to progress to NMSF. I’m sure someone who can score a 238 on the PSAT won’t have a problem scoring 2000 on the SAT.</p>
<p>@3scoutsmom Ohh I see my bad! Sorry for the confusion.</p>