SAT vs. PSAT vs. Blue book

pwcpeng
Thu, 05 Apr 2012 05:43:25 +0000

I caution students to simply add a 0 to their PSAT scores to convert to an SAT score. The PSAT has no essay, so depending on how you do on the essay, your score could be drastically different. The PSAT is shorter than the SAT, so the endurance factor won’t wear you down as much. The curve may be slightly different too since you’re usually competing with generally younger students (by one yr…soph, jrs) than students taking the real SAT (jrs, srs).

But in terms of concepts tested, all three (PSAT, SAT, BB) are testing pretty much the same stuff. You’d be hard pressed to truly find any difference. Some say BB is easier than the real test. It really isn’t. In fact, the first three BB tests are actual SATs they gave to real students in the past. It may feel easier because you are more relaxed in a practice setting than at the real testing arena.

The PSAT may also feel harder because you’re typically a year younger when you take it compared to when you take the SAT. You haven’t learned as much in school yet.