PSAT vs. DSAT: Key Differences and Their Role in College Admissions

PSAT (Preliminary SAT)

Purpose:

• Primarily used as a practice test for the SAT.
• Determines eligibility for National Merit Scholarships.

Content:

• Similar to the SAT, covering Reading, Writing and Language, and Math.
• Questions are slightly easier than the SAT.

Scoring:

• Scored on a scale of 320-1520.
• Individual section scores range from 160-760.

Format:

• Traditionally a paper-based test.
• Recently transitioned to a digital format (DSAT).

DSAT (Digital SAT)

Purpose:

• Used for college admissions and scholarship applications.
• Replaces the traditional paper-based SAT.

Content:

• Identical to the traditional SAT in terms of topics and difficulty level.

Scoring:

• Scored on a scale of 400-1600.
• Individual section scores range from 200-800.

Format:

• Exclusively digital.
• Offers calculator and non-calculator math sections.
• Includes an optional essay section.

Key Differences

Summary

• The PSAT is a stepping stone to the SAT, helping students prepare and assess their readiness for college admissions.
• The DSAT is the current standard for college admissions, replacing the traditional paper-based SAT.
• While both tests share similarities, they have different primary purposes and scoring scales.
• Students should carefully consider their goals and choose the appropriate test to take.