What Does my PSAT Score Mean?

Taking the PSAT (Preliminary SAT) is a great way to familiarize yourself with standardized testing, determine your strengths and weaknesses, and qualify for scholarships. The PSAT is also considered a predictive test in that it can inform how well you’ll perform on the SAT without any additional prep. If you just received your PSAT score, check out our PSAT to SAT score conversion tool. You can cross-reference this projected SAT score with the average SAT range at top colleges.

But, depending on whether you’re a sophomore or junior, your PSAT score has different implications on your testing path.

WHAT IS THE PSAT?

There are three types of PSAT exams:

• PSAT 8/9 (for 8th and 9th graders)
• PSAT 10 (for 10th graders)
• PSAT/NMSQT (for 11th graders, which is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)

PSAT scores range from 320 (lowest) to 1520 (highest) and are divided into two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math with scores ranging from 160-760 on each. Your overall PSAT score is the sum of these two sections, so a perfect score would be 1520.

WHAT YOUR PSAT SCORE MEANS: SOPHOMORES

For 10th graders, the PSAT is primarily a practice test—it’s not as high-stakes as the SAT, but it introduces you to the world of standardized testing and it should inform your prep for the PSAT/NMSQT and ultimately the SAT.

Here are a few TTA Top Tips for sophomores:

• Use your PSAT score as a diagnostic tool to understand where you need to focus your prep.
• Continue to focus on building strong foundational skills in reading, writing, and math.
• Consider academic tutoring to strengthen your skills before the PSAT/NMSQT junior year.
• Don’t stress too much about the score—the PSAT 10 is a great learning experience!

WHAT YOUR PSAT SCORE MEANS: JUNIORS

As a junior, the PSAT takes on more significance. Here’s why:

1. National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT)
   Juniors who take the PSAT/NMSQT are automatically considered for the National Merit Scholarship competition. If you score in the top percentile (based on state-specific cutoffs), you could qualify for scholarships or awards.
2. The “Real Deal” is Up Next!
   Your junior PSAT score is a more accurate reflection of how you might perform on the SAT. Again, use our nifty PSAT to SAT conversion tool to learn your predicted SAT score.

Here are a few TTA Top tips for juniors:

• Take your PSAT score seriously, especially if you’re aiming for National Merit recognition as it’s a gateway to scholarships.
• Use these test results to identify weaknesses and create a focused SAT prep plan. The College Board provides detailed score reports that include personalized feedback on specific content areas, highlighting your strengths and areas to improve for that particular test. Go one step further and secure one-on-one SAT tutoring. Our SAT experts provide diagnostic testing to confirm which areas you need to improve to ensure a high SAT score!
• Practice, practice, practice. Take as many SAT practice tests under mock-testing conditions as you can to get a feel for the actual SAT.
• Fine-tune your SAT prep and be sure you have an effective testing plan in place.
• Don’t stress over a single test score—use it as a learning opportunity and a motivator to improve before you sit for the SAT!

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PSAT?

• The PSAT and Merit Scholarships: What You Need to Know
• PSAT Prep: Top Tips
• What is a Good PSAT Score?
• PSAT to SAT Score Conversion

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