webinar and does the PSAT count

Does The PSAT Count? Here’s What you Need to Know

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We regularly get asked by parents of high school sophomores and juniors:

“Does the PSAT count?”

And the answer is… it depends.

It is true that a student’s score won’t count toward college admissions, but there are a few reasons why high schoolers might not want to ignore the PSAT.

The PSAT provides an opportunity to:
  • Prepare for the actual SAT and get direct feedback on areas to focus on for improvement
  • Familiarize yourself with the test format and the test environment
  • Earn a top score to be considered for the National Merit Scholarship

When will students take the PSAT?

The College Board offers the PSAT (Preliminary SAT) every October. Here are the dates for 2022:

  • Primary test day (at school): Wednesday, October 12, 2022
  • Saturday test day: October 15, 2022
  • Alternate test day: Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Is the PSAT the same as the SAT?

While the tests are designed to follow a similar format to test a student’s math, reading, and writing skills, there are some differences.

  • The PSAT is a practice test, and the SAT is a real college entrance exam.
  • The PSAT is scored between 320 and 1520, whereas the SAT is scored between 400 and 1600.
  • The SAT is offered throughout the year, while the PSAT is only offered once each year.
  • The PSAT is 2 hours and 45 minutes with 139 questions. The SAT is slightly longer at 3 hours, with 154 questions.

When are PSAT scores released?

Students will get their PSAT scores on December 5–6, 2022 through the College Board website. 

When will the PSAT change to a digital format?

Upcoming changes to the PSAT will not impact current high school juniors, but this year’s test is the last paper PSAT. Current sophomores and freshmen will see a revamped digital version of the PSAT in October of 2023. Students in the US will take the new digital version of the SAT in the Spring of 2024.

Join our free family workshop on October 3rd at 7 PM ET to learn all about the PSAT and what happens after the practice test

Oct. 3 PSAT Webinar Banner

The college application process, starting with the PSAT, is an exciting time for families. This phase of your child’s educational journey is complicated due to all the tasks that need to be accomplished. An organized action plan benefits everyone.
 
We invite you to join Educational Connections Founder Ann Dolin, M.Ed., and our College Consultant Kristin Landis, J.D., at our free virtual event for families on Oct. 3 at 7 PM ET.
 
We will share insider tips and strategies for what your child can do now to get those acceptance letters later, including:

✓ What PSAT scores really mean and how to interpret the data

✓ What’s the National Merit Scholarship, and does my child have a chance?

✓ Navigating the standardized testing process beginning with the PSAT

✓ A step-by-step guide to support a student’s college goals in each year of high school, beginning in 9th grade

✓ How to know if and when your child should prep for the ACT/SAT—or if they should skip the tests altogether

With clear next steps and updated advice, you’ll feel confident in the best way to support your high schooler throughout this year—and beyond.

Please register so we may send you the Zoom link. We will record this workshop and send out the replay to everyone who registers. Feel free to invite a friend to join you. We can’t wait to see you there!

Register for PSAT Workshop