What are the advantages of the SAT and PSAT?

The Question No One Asks: If Tests Are “Optional,” Why Do Top Students Still Take Them?

Here’s the paradox.

We live in the age of “test-optional” admissions—yet nearly 2 million students still sat for the SAT in 2024. If test scores supposedly no longer matter, why are so many high-achievers still choosing to test?

The truth is, standardized tests like the SAT and PSAT are no longer just about meeting a requirement—they’re strategic tools. For students aiming for selective colleges or scholarships, they serve as measurable proof of academic rigor and readiness.

This is where the admissions gap begins: some students treat tests as hurdles; others see them as opportunities to stand out. The difference isn’t intelligence—it’s strategy.

At BetterMind Labs, they often guide students to think this way: Use tests as instruments of proof and connect them to real outcomes, from research to projects that showcase your depth.

The PSAT and SAT: Understanding Their Unique Roles in Your College Journey

The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) and SAT are often mentioned together — but they serve different purposes.

• The PSAT acts as a low-stakes “practice SAT,” helping students build test-taking skills and qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

• The SAT is a college admissions test accepted by virtually every U.S. university and used globally to assess readiness.
  

Quick Fact Check:

• In 2023–24, about 3.7 million students took the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10.

• Nearly 1.97 million took the SAT, marking a continued rise in participation after the test-optional wave.

• 68% of SAT takers completed it during school-day testing, improving accessibility and equity.
  

(Data source: College Board, 2024 SAT Participation Report)

The takeaway: while colleges may call testing “optional,” students and parents increasingly recognize that optional doesn’t mean irrelevant.

The 4 Key Advantages of Taking the PSAT

Think of the PSAT as the first diagnostic MRI of your academic brain — it shows you where your strengths and blind spots are, early enough to fix them.

1. Early Exposure to Digital Testing

   The PSAT now mirrors the digital SAT format. You’ll gain confidence with adaptive testing, question pacing, and the built-in calculator tool.

2. National Merit Scholarship Qualification

   A top PSAT score can qualify you for the National Merit Program, unlocking scholarships and recognition that colleges value.

3. Personalized SAT Prep Insights

   Your PSAT results provide a detailed report on strengths and weaknesses, helping tailor your SAT study plan.

4. Low-Stakes, High-Learning Value

   Unlike the SAT, the PSAT doesn’t appear on applications — it’s pure practice with real benefits.
   

If you’re unsure where to begin, explore structured prep timelines on our BetterMind Labs Resources page — we break down how to link PSAT data to targeted improvement strategies.

The 3 Core Advantages of a Strong SAT Score

A strong SAT score doesn’t just validate your skills — it multiplies your options.

1. Adds Predictive Value to GPA

According to the College Board’s Predictive Validity Study (2024), combining SAT scores with high school GPA increases the accuracy of college performance prediction by 22% overall — and by 38% for STEM majors.

Colleges trust this data. The SAT provides measurable evidence that your “A” in calculus reflects the same level of rigor as an “A” from another school.

2. Strengthens Merit Scholarship Eligibility

Thousands of institutions, including public universities, still use SAT scores to award automatic scholarships. A 1450+ score can unlock $5,000–$20,000 per year in merit aid at many state schools.

3. Validates Readiness for Advanced Coursework

Admissions officers see a strong SAT as a readiness signal for AP, IB, or college-level research. For students applying to top-tier schools, it reinforces intellectual discipline — something no essay can substitute.

How the PSAT and SAT Work Together: Your College Prep Timeline

Here’s the strategic way to view both exams:

Grade	Focus	Goal
9th Grade	Build core reading, writing, and math foundations	Take practice PSATs; begin exposure
10th Grade	Take PSAT 10 for benchmark	Identify weak areas early
11th Grade	Take PSAT/NMSQT + first SAT attempt	Use PSAT feedback for targeted prep
12th Grade	Retake SAT (if needed)	Optimize score submission for college deadlines

The best students don’t cram — they treat testing like training. And the most competitive profiles combine test performance with tangible outcomes, like research projects, publications, or AI-driven studies that show application of intelligence.

For guidance on integrating academics with real-world learning, visit our College Admissions Insights Blog.

Are These Tests Right for You? A Quick Guide for Different Student Goals

Not every student has the same reason for testing. Here’s how to decide strategically:

• If you’re aiming for top universities:

  SAT/PSAT scores can serve as your differentiator in a pool of high GPAs.

• If you’re targeting scholarships:

  SAT and PSAT results remain one of the most reliable ways to qualify for merit-based financial aid.

• If you’re applying test-optional:

  Submitting strong scores is still a signal of academic resilience — especially for STEM, business, and pre-med tracks.?
  

(Source: NACAC 2024 Report on Test-Optional Admissions Trends)

Remember: taking the test isn’t about conformity—it’s about creating choice. A strong score gives you leverage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing for the SAT and PSAT

Even the most motivated students fall into predictable traps.

1. Starting too late.

   Six weeks isn’t enough. Begin prep at least six months in advance.

2. Focusing on scores, not strategy.

   Understand question patterns and adaptive test logic — not just content.

3. Ignoring analytics.

   Treat practice tests as data. Each mistake is a dataset revealing your blind spot.

4. Neglecting application context.

   Scores matter most when paired with substance: real-world projects, research, or internships that show your intellect in action.
   

If you’re still mapping out your prep journey, BetterMind Labs offers detailed guides connecting test performance with college readiness frameworks — available in the Resources section.

Answering Your Top Questions About the Digital SAT and PSAT

Q1: Is the new digital SAT harder or easier?

A: Neither — it’s shorter (2 hours, 14 minutes), adaptive, and data suggests students perform slightly better due to clarity and pacing.

Q2: Does test-optional mean I can skip the SAT?

A: You can — but remember that 75% of 2024 applicants to selective schools still submitted scores. It’s an edge, not an obstacle.

Q3: Should I take the PSAT if I’m not aiming for scholarships?

A: Absolutely. It’s the best diagnostic for SAT readiness and builds test-day stamina.

Q4: How can I link my SAT/PSAT prep to college projects or applications?

A: Use your prep experience to demonstrate initiative — analyze your performance data, build a study system, or connect testing skills to a personal AI or research project. That’s the kind of intellectual narrative that BetterMind Labs students often highlight successfully.

Conclusion: Using Standardized Tests as a Tool, Not Just a Hurdle

The SAT and PSAT are more than exams — they’re opportunities to demonstrate mastery, resilience, and curiosity.

When used wisely, they help you stand out in ways GPA alone can’t. Combine that with mentorship, research experience, or AI-based projects, and you’re no longer just a “test-taker” — you’re an applicant with proof of performance.

If you’d like to go deeper into strategies that link testing to college outcomes, explore our curated resources and expert insights at BetterMind Labs.

Because the smartest students don’t just prepare for tests — they use them to build momentum for life.