# Difference Between Psat and Sat Author: Nex Virox Team (Editorial Team) Reviewed by: Varshal Nirbhavane Published: 2026-08-31 Last updated: 2026-08-31 Canonical: https://nexvirox.com/difference-between/difference-between-psat-and-sat/ **Quick answer:** The main difference between Psat and Sat is that the PSAT is a practice test for the SAT, not used for college admissions, while the SAT is the official college entrance exam. Psat is a shorter, easier preliminary assessment for scholarship qualification, while Sat is a longer, more rigorous test that colleges use for admission decisions.

Difference Between Psat and Sat: Comparison Table

Aspect	Psat	Sat
Definition	Preliminary SAT, a standardized practice test administered by College Board for high school students.	Scholastic Assessment Test, a college admissions exam measuring critical reading, writing, and math skills.
Primary Purpose	Serves as a qualifying exam for National Merit Scholarship Program and provides early college readiness feedback.	Used by colleges and universities to evaluate applicants' academic preparedness for undergraduate admission decisions.
Core Mechanism	Measures reasoning and problem-solving abilities across evidence-based reading, writing, and math sections with adaptive scoring.	Assesses acquired knowledge and analytical skills through multiple-choice and grid-in questions across three main sections.
Score Range	Total scores span from 320 to 1520, combining Evidence-Based Reading and Writing with Math subscores.	Total scores range from 400 to 1600, with separate section scores for Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing.
Test Frequency	Offered three times annually (typically October, December, and March) at participating high schools during school days.	Administered seven times per year on national test dates at designated testing centers across the country.
Test Duration	Total testing time is 2 hours and 45 minutes, including a 10-minute break between sections.	Complete testing session lasts 3 hours and 15 minutes, plus an optional 50-minute essay section.
Number of Questions	Contains 139 total questions: 47 reading, 44 writing and language, and 48 math items.	Includes 154 total questions: 52 reading, 44 writing and language, and 58 math items.
Section Structure	Divided into two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing plus Math, each with two timed subsections.	Comprises three main sections: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math (with calculator and no-calculator portions).
Math Content	Covers algebra, problem-solving, data analysis, and advanced math topics aligned with college readiness benchmarks.	Includes additional trigonometry and pre-calculus concepts beyond PSAT material, with more complex multi-step problems.
Reading Passages	Features shorter passages, typically 500-750 words each, drawn from literature, history, social studies, and science.	Uses longer passages, often 700-900 words, with more complex vocabulary and deeper analytical inference requirements.
Writing Questions	Presents shorter passages with simpler grammar and usage errors focusing on standard English conventions.	Includes longer passages with nuanced rhetorical skills, word choice, and more sophisticated sentence structure analysis.
Scoring Method	Each correct answer earns one point; no penalty for wrong answers, with raw scores converted to scaled scores.	Correct answers receive one point each, no guessing penalty, and raw scores convert to scaled section scores.
Score Reporting	Provides percentile ranks, score ranges, and college readiness benchmarks within 2-4 weeks after test administration.	Delivers detailed score reports including percentiles, subscores, and cross-test scores within 2-6 weeks post-test.
College Admissions Use	Not accepted by colleges for admissions decisions; serves only as practice and scholarship qualification tool.	Widely accepted by over 4,000 colleges and universities as a primary factor in undergraduate admissions evaluation.
Scholarship Eligibility	Qualifies students for National Merit Scholarship Program, National Achievement Scholarship, and National Hispanic Recognition.	Does not directly qualify for scholarships, but high scores enhance eligibility for merit-based institutional awards.
Test Difficulty Level	Approximately 10-15% easier than SAT, with fewer advanced math concepts and simpler reading passages overall.	More challenging content with higher-level vocabulary, complex math problems, and more demanding reading comprehension questions.
Cost to Take	Typically free or minimal fee ($16-$18) administered through schools, with fee waivers available for eligible students.	Costs $60 for the standard test, plus additional fees for late registration, change fees, or international testing locations.
Test Registration	Students register directly through their high school counselor; no online registration required for most administrations.	Registration completed online via College Board website, requiring account creation and photo upload for identification.
Test Availability	Limited to school-day administrations during specific months, typically only for students in grades 8-11.	Offered on weekends at thousands of test centers worldwide, accessible to students in grades 8-12 and older.
Retake Policy	Can be taken multiple times, but only junior-year scores count for National Merit Scholarship eligibility purposes.	Students may retake unlimited times; most colleges consider superscored results from multiple test attempts.
Score Validity	Results remain valid for scholarship consideration during the academic year taken, typically junior year for National Merit.	Scores remain valid for five years after test date, though most colleges prefer recent scores within 2-3 years.
Prep Resources	Official PSAT practice tests available free through Khan Academy and College Board's official study materials.	Extensive prep options include Official SAT Study Guide, Khan Academy partnership, commercial courses, and practice books.
Test Length Comparison	Shorter by 30 minutes compared to SAT, making it more manageable for younger students with less test endurance.	Longer testing session requires sustained focus and stamina, reflecting the demands of actual college-level work.
Content Alignment	Mirrors SAT format and question types exactly, providing authentic practice experience with slightly easier content.	Sets the standard for content difficulty, question phrasing, and scoring methodology that PSAT closely follows.
Grade Level Target	Designed primarily for sophomores and juniors, with specific versions for 8th and 9th graders (PSAT 8/9).	Intended for juniors and seniors applying to college, though younger students may take it for early assessment.
Score Interpretation	Provides percentile ranks based on nationally representative sample of students in the same grade level.	Offers percentiles comparing test-takers to a national cohort of college-bound seniors across all administrations.
Essay Component	Does not include an essay section; focuses solely on multiple-choice questions across all content areas.	Offers optional essay section, discontinued in 2021 but still available in some international testing locations.
Benchmark Indicators	Provides college readiness benchmarks indicating likelihood of earning a C or higher in entry-level college courses.	Uses college readiness benchmarks tied to AP course success and first-year college GPA predictions.
Best Fit Scenario	Ideal for sophomores and juniors seeking scholarship qualification, practice experience, and early readiness assessment.	Best for juniors and seniors targeting college admissions, scholarship applications, and competitive university requirements.

What Is Psat?

The PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, is a standardized college-readiness test published by the College Board that measures evidence-based reading, writing, and math skills. It functions as both practice for the SAT and as the qualifying exam for National Merit Scholarship programs, giving high schoolers early feedback on their academic strengths.

Definition of Psat

The PSAT is a multiple-choice assessment administered in two versions—PSAT/NMSQT for grades 10–11 and PSAT 8/9 for younger students—that predicts SAT performance while using a lower score ceiling of 1520. Its primary purpose is diagnostic, identifying skill gaps and providing personalized college-planning resources through the College Board's Score Report Plus.

Key Characteristics of Psat

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
Score range	PSAT/NMSQT scores span 320–1520, while the SAT's 400–1600 scale makes direct percentile comparisons slightly different.
Test length	The exam runs 2 hours 45 minutes, which is 15 minutes shorter than the SAT because it omits the optional essay section.
Question types	Reading, writing and language, and math sections use the same question formats as the SAT, ensuring familiar practice.
National Merit link	PSAT/NMSQT scores from junior year determine semifinalist eligibility, with cutoff scores varying annually by state.
No penalty scoring	Wrong answers receive zero deductions, encouraging students to attempt every question without fear of losing points.
Adaptive format	Unlike the linear SAT, the PSAT uses a single fixed test form with no section-level adaptation between math or verbal portions.
Administration window	Schools offer the PSAT on specific October dates, typically Wednesday or Saturday, rather than the SAT's seven national dates.
Fee structure	The PSAT/NMSQT costs $18 per student, though many districts subsidize fees, making it far cheaper than the SAT's $60 base fee.
Score reporting tools	Students receive AP potential indicators and career readiness benchmarks, which the SAT does not provide in its standard report.
Retake frequency	Students can take the PSAT in 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th grades, but only the junior-year attempt counts toward scholarship eligibility.

Common Examples of Psat

PSAT/NMSQT – The flagship version for 10th and 11th graders that serves as the National Merit Scholarship qualifying test each October.
PSAT 8/9 – A lower-stakes diagnostic for 8th and 9th graders that establishes a baseline score before high-stakes testing begins.
PSAT 10 – A spring-administered version for sophomores that mirrors the NMSQT format but excludes National Merit eligibility entirely.
School-day administration – Many districts offer the PSAT during regular class hours, removing weekend testing barriers for students with scheduling conflicts.
Official practice test – The College Board's free PSAT practice exams replicate real question difficulty, helping students build stamina before the actual SAT.
Statewide testing program – Some states, like Colorado and Kentucky, fund PSAT administration for all juniors as part of their accountability systems.
International administration – The PSAT is offered at American international schools worldwide, with the same October testing window as domestic sites.
Accommodated version – Students with documented disabilities receive extended time, large-print booklets, or braille editions through College Board approval.
Khan Academy linkage – PSAT scores automatically generate personalized practice plans on Khan Academy, targeting specific weak skills for improvement.
Preliminary SAT for sophomores – Early testing in 10th grade helps students decide whether to pursue SAT prep courses or focus on GPA improvement first.

Advantages and Limitations of Psat

Advantages	Limitations
Provides a low-cost, low-pressure rehearsal for the SAT, reducing first-time test anxiety through familiar question formats.	Score ceiling of 1520 means top scorers cannot gauge perfect SAT performance, leaving a 80-point gap unmeasured.
Opens the door to National Merit Scholarships, including $2,500 awards and corporate-sponsored recognition for high achievers.	Only the junior-year attempt counts for scholarship eligibility, making the 11th-grade test a single high-stakes opportunity.
Delivers detailed score reports with AP potential indicators, helping students choose which advanced courses to pursue.	Offered only in October, so students who miss the window must wait a full year for the next administration date.
Costs significantly less than the SAT, with many schools covering fees entirely for low-income or all students.	Does not include the SAT's adaptive question routing, so practice results may not fully predict actual SAT difficulty.
Generates personalized Khan Academy study plans that target specific skill gaps identified through the score report.	Colleges do not consider PSAT scores in admissions, so strong performance offers no direct application advantage.
Allows multiple attempts across grades 8–11, enabling students to track academic growth and skill development over time.	Shorter format with fewer questions means less comprehensive content coverage than the full-length SAT exam.
Provides national percentile rankings that help families understand a student's competitive position relative to peers.	Not offered at independent test centers, requiring school participation that may be unavailable for homeschooled students.
Includes career readiness benchmarks that connect test performance to potential college majors and career pathways.	Does not test science or social studies content, limiting its value as a general academic achievement measure.
Offers a familiar testing environment at the student's own school, reducing logistical stress from traveling to unfamiliar sites.	Score reports arrive 6–8 weeks after testing, which feels slow for students eager to adjust their study plans quickly.
Creates a natural baseline for SAT prep, allowing students to measure improvement when they retest on the higher-stakes exam.	May overestimate readiness for students who score well but struggle with the SAT's longer duration and higher difficulty.

What Is Sat?

The SAT is a standardized college admissions test owned by the College Board. It measures reading, writing, and math skills to predict first-year college performance. Colleges use SAT scores alongside grades to evaluate applicants fairly.

Definition of Sat

The SAT is a timed, multiple-choice and grid-in assessment administered globally in paper or digital formats. It yields a composite score from 400 to 1600, combining Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (200–800) and Math (200–800) sections, designed to benchmark high school academic readiness.

Key Characteristics of Sat

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
Composite scoring	Total score ranges 400–1600, combining two section scores for a single numeric result.
Digital format	Since 2023 international and 2024 US, the test is computer-adaptive, shortening duration to 2 hours 14 minutes.
Evidence-based reading	Passages come from classic literature, social studies, and science, requiring textual citation for answers.
No penalty guessing	Wrong answers no longer subtract points, encouraging test-takers to attempt every question.
Math with calculator	Calculator use is permitted throughout the entire math section, unlike older formats.
Grid-in questions	Student-produced responses in math require filling numeric answers, not choosing options.
Essay optional	The essay component is discontinued entirely as of 2021, making the test purely multiple-choice.
Fee waivers	Eligible low-income students receive free registration, plus additional score sends and question-level feedback.
Score choice	Students can select which test date scores to send to colleges, hiding lower attempts.
Superscoring	Many colleges combine highest section scores across multiple test dates for a composite superscore.

Common Examples of Sat

Digital SAT Suite – The current adaptive version administered at testing centers, replacing the paper-based exam globally.
PSAT/NMSQT – A practice version that also serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test for juniors.
SAT Subject Tests – Discontinued single-subject exams (e.g., Math Level 2, Biology) formerly used for specific program admissions.
SAT School Day – A district-administered option allowing students to test during regular school hours on a weekday.
SAT with Essay – Historical format (pre-2021) that included an optional 50-minute analytical writing task.
International SAT – Offered at global test centers, now fully digital, with same scoring but different test dates.
SAT Accommodations – Extended time, extra breaks, or large-print materials for students with documented disabilities.
Khan Academy Official Practice – Free personalized prep tool developed with College Board, featuring full-length practice tests.
SAT Score Report – Official document detailing section scores, percentiles, and score benchmarks for college readiness.
College Board SAT Benchmarks – Evidence-based reading and math thresholds indicating 75% probability of a C or better in first-year courses.

Advantages and Limitations of Sat

Advantages	Limitations
Provides a common metric across diverse high schools to compare applicants objectively.	Test performance correlates strongly with family income and access to expensive prep courses.
Predicts first-year college GPA moderately well, especially for STEM majors.	Timed format penalizes slower readers, even when they possess strong analytical skills.
Offers multiple test dates per year, allowing retakes to improve scores.	Anxiety and test-day stress can produce scores that underrepresent true academic ability.
Digital adaptive format shortens test length and provides faster score reporting.	Coaching can inflate scores by teaching test-taking tricks rather than actual subject mastery.
Fee waivers and free official prep reduce financial barriers for low-income students.	Many colleges have gone test-optional, reducing the test's relevance in admissions decisions.
Score choice and superscoring give students control over which results are sent.	International students face additional travel and registration costs for testing centers.
Math section covers algebra, geometry, and data analysis aligned with high school curricula.	Reading passages often use archaic or dense language that feels disconnected from modern texts.
No guessing penalty encourages answering every question, boosting raw scores.	The test measures speed and strategy more than deep critical thinking or creativity.
Results are delivered within days for digital format, aiding last-minute application deadlines.	Students with learning disabilities may face bureaucratic hurdles to secure accommodations.
Widely accepted by over 1,900 US colleges and many international institutions.	Score inflation from repeated retakes can dilute the meaning of high scores over time.

Similarities Between Psat and Sat

Shared Aspect	How Psat and Sat Are Alike
Test Purpose	Both the Psat and Sat measure college readiness and assess the same core academic skills.
Content Areas	The Psat and Sat both test evidence-based reading, writing, and math knowledge.
Question Format	The Psat and Sat both use multiple-choice questions with four answer options.
Scoring Scale	The Psat and Sat both use a 1600-point scale for their total scores.
Section Scores	The Psat and Sat both report separate scores for math and reading/writing sections.
Test Maker	The Psat and Sat are both created and administered by the College Board organization.
Answer Sheet	The Psat and Sat both require students to fill in bubbles on a scannable answer sheet.
Calculator Policy	The Psat and Sat both allow approved calculators for specific math test portions.
Timed Sections	The Psat and Sat both have strict time limits for each individual test section.
No Penalty	The Psat and Sat both do not deduct points for incorrect or blank answers.
Raw Scores	The Psat and Sat both convert raw correct answers into scaled section scores.
Practice Material	The Psat and Sat both use official practice questions from the College Board.
Test Prep	The Psat and Sat both benefit from similar study strategies and prep courses.
Reading Passages	The Psat and Sat both include fiction, historical, and science reading passages.
Grammar Rules	The Psat and Sat both test standard English grammar and punctuation conventions.
Math Topics	The Psat and Sat both cover algebra, problem solving, and data analysis.
Grid-In Answers	The Psat and Sat both include student-produced math responses in the math section.
Score Reports	The Psat and Sat both provide online score reports with percentile rankings.
College Benchmarks	The Psat and Sat both offer benchmarks indicating college course readiness levels.
Retake Policy	The Psat and Sat both allow students to take the exam on multiple occasions.
Test Security	The Psat and Sat both have strict proctoring and identification verification procedures.
Registration	The Psat and Sat both require advance registration through the College Board website.
Score Access	The Psat and Sat both give students free access to their online score reports.
Skill Mapping	The Psat and Sat both link questions to specific skills for targeted improvement.
Answer Changes	The Psat and Sat both allow students to change answers within a test section.
No Essay	The Psat and Sat both have dropped the optional essay component entirely.
Digital Format	The Psat and Sat both now use a digital, computer-based testing format.
Adaptive Design	The Psat and Sat both use multistage adaptive testing for the reading and math sections.
Score Delivery	The Psat and Sat both release scores approximately two to four weeks after testing.
Official Resources	The Psat and Sat both offer free official prep through Khan Academy partnerships.

Psat or Sat: Which Should You Choose?

The decisive variable is your testing timeline and college application deadline. If you are a sophomore or early junior targeting National Merit Scholarships, choose the PSAT. If you are a junior or senior preparing for college admissions, choose the SAT, as it directly impacts your application score.

When to Use Psat

Choose Psat when you are in 9th or 10th grade, seeking a low-stakes practice exam, or aiming for National Merit eligibility. It costs $18, takes 2 hours 45 minutes, and offers no college-reporting penalty. Use it to diagnose weak areas before committing to SAT prep.

When to Use Sat

Choose Sat when you are in 11th or 12th grade, need a score for college applications, or require superscoring across multiple test dates. It costs $60, takes 3 hours 15 minutes, and is accepted by all U.S. colleges. Use it for final admission decisions and merit-based financial aid.

Common Misconceptions About Psat and Sat

Common Myth	The Reality
“The PSAT is just a practice test that doesn’t matter for college.”	The PSAT is the qualifying test for National Merit Scholarships, and a high score can earn you recognition and merit-based aid.
“A perfect PSAT score guarantees a perfect SAT score.”	The SAT is longer, harder, and scored on a different 1600-point scale, so PSAT perfection does not automatically translate to SAT perfection.
“The PSAT and SAT are identical tests with the same questions.”	The PSAT is slightly shorter and easier than the SAT, but both share the same question types and core skills.
“You can’t study for the PSAT because it’s just a diagnostic.”	Students who prep for the PSAT typically improve their scores, and that preparation also builds skills for the SAT.
“Your PSAT score has no effect on your college application.”	Colleges rarely see PSAT scores, but high PSAT performance can lead to scholarships and honors that do appear on applications.
“The SAT is scored out of 2400 points.”	The current SAT is scored out of 1600 points, combining 800 for Math and 800 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing.
“The PSAT is scored out of 1600 points just like the SAT.”	The PSAT is scored out of 1520 points, with 760 max per section, to reflect its slightly easier content.
“Taking the PSAT multiple times boosts your SAT score automatically.”	Retaking the PSAT only helps if you review your mistakes and target weak areas; repetition alone does not raise SAT scores.
“The SAT has a guessing penalty, so you should leave blanks.”	The SAT has no guessing penalty since 2016, so you should answer every question even if you are unsure.
“The PSAT is only for juniors, and sophomores shouldn’t take it.”	Sophomores can take the PSAT 10 or PSAT 8/9 for practice, but only juniors qualify for National Merit Scholarships.
“A high PSAT score means you are automatically a National Merit Semifinalist.”	Only the top 1% of juniors in each state become Semifinalists, and you must also meet additional criteria to advance.
“The SAT tests IQ or innate intelligence, not learned skills.”	The SAT measures specific reading, writing, and math skills that can be improved through targeted practice and instruction.
“The PSAT is easier than the SAT, so a high PSAT score is meaningless.”	A high PSAT score indicates strong baseline skills, but the SAT’s harder questions require additional preparation for top scores.
“You must take the SAT to get into any college.”	Over 1,900 colleges are test-optional for 2024, meaning you can apply without SAT scores and still be considered for admission.
“The PSAT and SAT are completely different tests with no overlap.”	Both tests share the same format, question types, and content areas, so PSAT prep directly transfers to SAT readiness.
“Your PSAT score is sent to colleges automatically.”	Your PSAT score is not sent to colleges; only your official SAT scores are sent when you request them through College Board.
“The SAT is the only test that matters for scholarship eligibility.”	Many scholarships, including National Merit, rely on PSAT scores, while others accept ACT scores or your GPA.
“The PSAT is offered only once per year in October.”	The PSAT is offered in October, but the PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 are given in spring, giving younger students more chances.
“You can’t use a calculator on the SAT Math section.”	The SAT allows a calculator on one math section, but the other math section requires you to solve problems without one.
“The PSAT includes an essay section that colleges require.”	The PSAT has no essay, and the SAT dropped its optional essay in 2021, so neither test requires an essay now.
“A low PSAT score means you will definitely fail the SAT.”	A low PSAT score highlights weak areas you can improve with months of focused study before your SAT test date.
“The SAT is given on paper only, not on a computer.”	The SAT is now digital internationally and will be fully digital in the U.S. starting March 2024, with adaptive questions.
“The PSAT and SAT are scored by humans who judge your writing.”	Both tests are scored by computers for multiple-choice questions, and the SAT essay is no longer offered, so no human grading exists.
“You should take the SAT cold without any prep to get a true baseline.”	Taking the SAT cold wastes a test attempt; use a free practice test at home to establish your baseline instead.
“The PSAT is required for graduation in all states.”	The PSAT is not a graduation requirement in most states, but some districts mandate it for juniors to measure college readiness.
“The SAT is easier than the ACT, so all students should choose it.”	The SAT and ACT differ in pacing and content; some students score higher on the ACT, so you should take a practice test for both.
“Your PSAT score determines your SAT score exactly one year later.”	Your PSAT score is a snapshot, not a predictor; your SAT score depends on how much you study and practice between tests.
“The PSAT is only for students planning to attend elite colleges.”	The PSAT is for any college-bound student, and its scores help all students identify strengths and gaps before the SAT.
“The SAT has a separate science section that you must pass.”	The SAT has no science section; science questions appear within the reading and math sections, testing data analysis skills.
“You can’t retake the PSAT, so your junior year score is your only chance.”	You can take the PSAT as a sophomore and junior, but only your junior-year score counts for National Merit eligibility.

Conclusion

Difference Between Psat and Sat comes down to purpose: PSAT is practice for the National Merit Scholarship, while SAT is the college admissions test. Choose PSAT for scholarship qualification and practice. Choose SAT for actual college applications and score submission.

## FAQ ### What is the difference between the PSAT and the SAT? The PSAT is a shorter, less difficult practice test for the SAT, while the SAT is the official college admissions exam used by universities; the PSAT also serves as the National Merit Scholarship qualifying test. ### Which test is more important for college admissions, the PSAT or the SAT? The SAT is more important for college admissions because colleges use SAT scores for admission decisions and merit-based aid, whereas PSAT scores are never sent to colleges and only matter for National Merit Scholarship eligibility. ### Is the PSAT easier than the SAT? Yes, the PSAT is easier than the SAT because it contains fewer questions, shorter reading passages, and less advanced math topics, but both tests share the same core skills and question formats. ### How much does it cost to take the PSAT versus the SAT? The PSAT costs around $18, while the SAT costs $60 without late fees, though fee waivers are available for eligible low-income students on both tests. ### Are there any risks or downsides to taking the PSAT before the SAT? The only real risk is that a low PSAT score can discourage students, but it carries no negative consequences because PSAT scores are not reported to colleges and do not affect your academic record. ### Is the PSAT compatible with SAT prep materials and study plans? Yes, the PSAT is fully compatible with SAT prep materials because both tests use the same question types, scoring scales, and content domains, making PSAT practice tests a reliable benchmark for SAT readiness. ### What is the most common mistake students make when preparing for the PSAT and SAT? The most common mistake is treating the PSAT as a low-stakes warm-up and skipping timed practice, which leads to poor time management on the SAT since both tests require answering questions in under one minute each. ### Can I use my PSAT score to predict my SAT score? Yes, you can use your PSAT score to predict your SAT score by adding roughly 80–100 points to your PSAT total, though this estimate varies based on how much additional prep you complete before the SAT. ### What is a real-world use case for taking the PSAT before the SAT? A real-world use case is taking the PSAT in 10th or 11th grade to identify weak areas in math and reading, then using your score report to create a targeted SAT study plan that raises your score by 150–200 points. ### Can I switch from the PSAT to the SAT if I miss the PSAT registration deadline? Yes, you can switch directly to the SAT if you miss the PSAT deadline because the SAT is offered on multiple national dates throughout the year, while the PSAT is only offered once each October.