The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is often viewed as a stepping stone to the SAT. While the PSAT is designed to prepare students for the SAT, it is not a direct predictor of performance on the latter. The PSAT serves as practice, exposing students to the format and content of the SAT. Comparing PSAT scores to subsequent SAT scores is a common practice for students and educators alike.
Understanding the correlation between PSAT and SAT scores allows students to identify areas of strength and weakness before taking the official SAT. It provides a benchmark, enabling targeted preparation and study efforts. Historically, the PSAT has played a crucial role in identifying National Merit Scholarship qualifiers, further incentivizing high achievement on the exam.