Let’s Be Smart About This

Students Should Opt for the PSAT Over the PreACT

Photo by Ben Mullins on Unsplash

Each year, students are tested on their knowledge in mathematics, science, reading and writing skills during a standardized test. These tests are known as the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) and the PreACT. Since students have to take one during their academic journey, many might question the differences between them, or which one is better to take. Ultimately, students should take the PSAT instead of the PreACT, because it is formatted and scaled similarly to the SAT and qualifies top scorers for the National Merit Scholarship.

The PSAT is a test meant to prepare students for the SAT and adapt them to the College Board testing format. The test is separated into two parts: a reading and writing section and a math section. This test is also the same length as the SAT at 2 hours and 14 minutes, and it is scored similarly to the SAT. Not only does the same formatting allow students to be better prepared for the SAT, but the similar scoring allows students to better predict what their SAT scores will look like and target their weaknesses. 

“I find the depth of the questions on the SAT in general to be better,” math teacher John Gussaroff said. “If a student is strong on the SAT, the ACT is usually a piece of cake.”

Meanwhile, the PreACT is a shorter and easier version of the ACT. It has multiple choice sections for math, English, reading and science but is missing an essay section included on the ACT exam. The PreACT is two and a half hours, and the ACT is just over four hours. This shows how the PreACT can not fully prepare students as they would not be able to truly predict their scores due to a missing section and shortened test. When taking a practice exam, students should leave with the general knowledge of what will be on the actual exam, and the PreACT fails to give students that knowledge by leaving out an abundant amount of exam material. 

“The PreACT is not as close to the ACT as the PSAT is to the SAT,” Gussaroff said. “I like the consistency of data [from the PSAT]... The PreACT doesn’t align as well, so it’s hard to determine the growth from eighth to ninth grade.” 

While the PreACT does not have any direct ties to scholarships, junior students who take the PSAT have the chance, if they score sufficiently, to qualify for a National Merit Scholarship. Finalists for this scholarship receive $2500. Preparing for the PSAT is not difficult, as there are various example questions and study courses for students, making it easier for students to score better and have a higher chance at qualifying for this scholarship. 

Overall, when students decide between taking the PreACT or PSAT, they should opt for the PSAT. It closely resembles the actual test, allows students to qualify for scholarships and prepares them for the SAT.

“I think it’s great for everyone to see an ACT at least once and see if they like it better, but I prefer the PSAT,” Gussaroff said.