The PLAN is the practice version of the ACT, much like the PSAT is the practice version of the SAT. While the PLAN is more aligned with the ACT, the PSAT is the only test that qualifies you for the National Merit Scholarship. Moreover, many schools don’t offer the PLAN to students. In fact, a few states and school districts actually require the PSAT so they don’t bother to also administer the PLAN. Make sure to check with your school. One other big difference is that the PLAN is offered only to sophomores, while the PSAT is offered to freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.
No matter what, with the new changes to the redesigned PSAT, the new test will actually resemble the ACT more, so there’s no need to worry if your school doesn’t offer the PLAN.
