Is the SAT harder than the PSAT?

[Shawn On the Border]

Ds17 took the PSAT in October, and got a good score (near 200). We did quite a bit of prep before the test. He took the SAT in Jan, and we expected near 2000, but it was 100 points lower! He went down a little in math (understandable, since we hadn't reviewed in a while), but mostly in writing and reading. I know he needs more work on the timed essay (he got an 8), but why would his other scores go down so much?

[Nscribe]

My understanding (and others may wind up correcting it) is the PSAT is designed to where they should be at the time they typical take it and is meant to be an indicator to give them the opportunity to practice before taking the SAT. As such, the math doesn't go as far and the vocabulary is not as challenging.

 

Kids SAT scores often vary in a 100 point range from one sitting for the test to another.

[Barbara H]

The PSAT score is intended to be a rough prediction - add a zero to score. But, this is a very rough prediction and it is not always accurate. While the questions are pretty similiar the SAT is longer and it has the essay. Also, it has more emphasis on algebra II. 100 points would be considered not very far off as a prediction though - as scores can easily vary that much for a student from just one SAT test day to another. It may well be with some careful analysis of what he missed and polishing up any trouble areas that he might be able to raise his score a bit.

[Shawn On the Border]

Thanks for the feedback. It's good to know that scores can vary quite a bit.

 

Both my son and I were disappointed (sigh). We were hoping to be done with SAT prepping. It takes too much time out of an already busy schedule!

 

Shawn