Redesigned PSAT VS. Redesigned SAT

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Updated on February 24, 2020

In case you haven't heard, the PSAT and the SAT received a major overhaul! The tests of the past faded from the memories of students who have taken them, the teachers who have helped students prepare for them, and the test creators who have written them as of March of 2016 . In their places, bright, shiny new tests stole the spotlight once held by these two exam standards.

So, how did the tests change? What do those students, teachers, tutors, and test prep writers need to know now? How does the Redesigned PSAT compare to the Redesigned SAT? This chart should help clear up a few of those questions for you. Keep reading below for even more details.

	Redesigned PSAT	Redesigned SAT
Total Testing Time	2 hours and 45 minutes	3 hours plus 50 mins. for optional essay
Score Scale	400 - 1600	400 - 1600
Reading Test
Time	60 minutes	65 minutes
Number of Questions	47	52
Test Sections	5 total: 4 single passages and 1 pair	5 total: 4 single passages and 1 pair
Passage Details	3,000 words total over five sections. 500–750 words per passage or paired set	3,250 words total over five sections. 500–750 words per passage or paired set
Types of Reading Questions
Words in Context	10 questions (2 per section)	10 questions (2 per section)
Command of Evidence	10 questions ( 2 per section)	10 questions (2 per section)
Analysis in History/Social Studies	19 questions	21 questions
Analysis in Science	19 questions	21 questions
Writing and Language Test
Time	35 minutes	35 minutes
Number of Questions	44	44
Test Sections	4 total	4 total
Passage Details	1,700 words total from 4 passages; 400–450 words per passage	1,700 words total from 4 passages; 400–450 words per passage
Types of Writing and Language Questions
Expression of Ideas	24	24
Standard English Conventions	20	20
Mathematics Test
Time	70 minutes	80 minutes
Number of Questions	47	57
Test Sections	2 total: Calculator and No Calculator sections	2 total: Calculator and No Calculator sectios
Types of Mathematics Questions
Multiple Choice	37	45
Student Produced Grid-In	9	11
Extended-Thinking Grid-In	1	1

Redesigned PSAT Scoring VS. Redesigned SAT Scoring

Since the PSAT and SAT went through such a major overhaul, testers are concerned about concurrence between the old and current exams and the redesigns. Will students who have the old scores be penalized in some way for not having the most up-to-date test scores? How will students taking the new exam really know what sort of scores to shoot for if there is there isn't a long line of former students with established SAT scores?

The College Board has developed a concordance table between the old PSAT and the Redesigned PSAT along with the old SAT and the Redesigned SAT for college admissions officers, guidance counselors and students to use as a reference.

In the meantime, take a peek at the SAT scoring changes and the SAT scoring frequently asked questions. There, you'll see average national SAT scores, percentile rankings by school, score release dates, scores by state and what to do if your SAT score is really, really bad.

Redesigned PSAT Test Sections Vs. Redesigned SAT Test Sections

When you start practicing to take one of these exams (or both!), you'll need to familiarize yourself with the test sections on each before you begin. Here are the basics:

Redesigned PSAT

Redesigned SAT

Format

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Your Citation

Roell, Kelly. "Redesigned PSAT VS. Redesigned SAT." ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/redesigned-psat-vs-redesigned-sat-3211531. Roell, Kelly. (2023, April 5). Redesigned PSAT VS. Redesigned SAT. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/redesigned-psat-vs-redesigned-sat-3211531 Roell, Kelly. "Redesigned PSAT VS. Redesigned SAT." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/redesigned-psat-vs-redesigned-sat-3211531 (accessed May 31, 2023).