The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test [PSAT] is a multiple-choice standardised test. It is conducted by the U.S. College Board and the U.S. National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Like SAT, this test too is divided into three sections – Mathematics, Critical Reading and Writing. The SAT is administered by the respective college boards and is developed, published and scored by the Educational Testing Service [ETS].

Nevertheless, there are some differences between the PSAT and SAT.

1. The PSAT score is not used in the admission process. A student's performance in the PSAT indicates approximately how he/she will score in the SAT. Many test takers significantly improve their performance during the SAT by meticulous work and thorough preparation. The SAT scores are considered by many colleges and universities in the U.S. to admit undergraduate students.

2. Each PSAT section is marked on a scale of 20 to 80 points and the total marks for the test are 240. On the other hand, the SAT also consists of the same sections but the marks range from 200 to 800 and the total marks are 2,400. This difference in range is useful to identify the origin of the score.

3. Unlike the SAT, the PSAT does not include higher-level mathematics. Also the PSAT does not require candidates to write any essay in the writing section.

4. The tests are of different duration. The PSAT has time duration of two hours and ten minutes. The SAT is comparatively longer and the time available is three hours and 45 minutes.