<p>Hello, everybody, </p>
<p>I'm sure that this question has been asked and debated multiple times before, but I'm new and I figured I'd see what people have to say, anyway. </p>
<p>Is there any sort of reliable correlation between PSAT scores and SAT scores? I've taken the PSAT as a sophomore and did pretty well (CR 80, M63, W65), so I'm wondering if that has any bearing on possible SAT scores. Anybody have any input? </p>
<p>Sorry if this question is old news. Thanks!</p>
<p>Well, as far as I know, the SAT is harder than the PSAT, as far as vocabulary goes. Also, the PSAT doesn't have an essay section. Thus, you might get a bit lower in writing. But, if you study, then you'll do really good on the SATs.</p>
<p>In my case, I scored about 120 points higher on the SAT, as compared to the PSAT. But, then again, even my SAT score wasn't as good as yours.</p>
<p>But, I think if you prepare properly, and take a few practice tests, you will definetely do good on SATs too, even though it is a bit harder than PSATs.</p>
<p>The SAT is harder than the PSAT because it's longer, there's an essay, and I think the math is more advanced. However you take the PSAT before the SAT so in the time between the PSAT and SAT you should be becoming smarter and better prepared for the SAT. If you practive for the SAT then I think your SAT score should be higher than your PSAT score. For instance without studying my PSAT score was a 212 and my SAT was a 2060. But after taking a few practice tests my SAT score rose to a 2200. It's all about where your strengths lie and how much you practice.</p>
<p>I did better on the SAT than the PSAT as well. I think if you're a good writer, your writing score will actually improve because of the essay. But I think the SAT is more exhausting because it is longer. Especially the last sentence completion section. It is so hard to focus by that point.</p>
<p>Thanks. I figured it was marginally harder, it was the correlation between scores that had me questioning and all . . . isn't it funny that the "practice" for the SAT is about half as long? :-) I'm also hoping to up my scores from the PSAT to the time I take the SAT, of course, so it's really encouraging that you all have mostly done better on the SAT. Makes me happy!</p>
<p>what about critical reading?</p>
<p>The PSAT has easier math sections. The PSAT does not test some of the harder areas.</p>
<p>the SAT math includes 5-7 Alg II problems, so it is harder in that sense. However, for most kids the material is more recent, so in that case it may not appear as hard. Also, CR scores generally go up with another year of HS english, but at 80, you don't have much room to increase. :)</p>
<p>IMO, the real killer is fatigue. Try to take a couple of full length practice tests at home under ideal test conditions to acclimate your body and brain.</p>
<p>The biggest factor is really your environment. When I took the PSAT as a junior, I had already taken it as a sophomore and, of course, I was taking it at my school. When I took the SAT for the first time I didn't know much about it, and I took it at the CSU with this crazy proctor. Basically, the test completely freaked me out (and I never had major test anxiety before the SAT) and I didn't do so hot the first time.</p>
<p>Also, in my opinion, the Critical Reading is harder. I got a 78 on the PSAT, but my highest SAT CR is 710.</p>