<p>Question - </p>
<p>Is the PSAT harder than the SAT?
I've never taken the PSAT, but I'm assuming its easier.
Also, anyone here get Merit Scholorship?
Can someone explain that whole process?
I don't get it.</p>
<p>PSAT is easier than the SAT. (shorter too and no essay)
If you score really well, (depending on your state) you will be granted “National Merit Finalist”. This status also comes with a small merit scholarship. Some schools will either give you full tuition/full ride/some money to go to their school.</p>
<p>That’s basically it</p>
<p>The PSAT is shorter, much shorter. But other than that, theyre the same. Like anhtimmy said, theres no essay on the PSAT (I think).</p>
<p>The way it works is, there’s a cutoff for each state for the semifinals. It’s the top one-half percent or one percent or something like that, in each state. In some states, that means the cutoff’s around 200 and in some states it’s around 220 (NY NJ MA CA etc.). That’s the general range. Once you make the semifinals, as long as you have good grades and a good SAT score, you make the finals. (There are also some essays).</p>
<p>And then about 1/2 of the finalists get the standard $2500 yearly scholarship, and others might get more or less from other companies or something.</p>
<p>Its easier and shorter but the curves are very harsh
especially the PSAT math curve…last year I missed 1 and got a 75. This year I missed one and it might possibly cost me national merit semifinalist (whereas if I missed one in CR or writing, my score would be like 2 points higher, which is a huge difference)</p>