A PSAT score between 1260 and 1520 is typically considered competitive, as it places you in the top 10% of students. On average, test takers get a score of 980 on the exam.
*What is considered a “good" PSAT score depends on your goals. Students who take the *PSAT may be aiming for a National Merit Scholarship or simply practicing for the SAT. The PSAT is a good way to gauge what you would score on the SAT if you took it right now.
Both the Math and EBRW sections are scored on a scale ranging from 160 to 760 points. The overall PSAT score, which combines the scores from both sections, ranges from 320 to 1520.
The criteria for a “Good" PSAT score varies depending on your individual goals. But don’t stress too much! Remember: This is just a practice test.
Category | Score | Percentile | What Does This Mean for You? |
---|---|---|---|
Best / National Merit Qualifying | Overall: 1260-1520 Math: 630+ EBRW: 630+ | Top 10%+ | These are exceptional scores! These scores may qualify you for National Merit Scholarships, depending on your state's cut-off values. |
Competitive | Overall: 1130 - 1250 Math: 560 - 620 EBRW: 560 - 620 | Top 25%+ | These scores show you have a good grasp of PSAT knowledge and that you are likely to do well on the SAT. |
Good | Overall: 980 - 1120 Math: 490 - 560 EBRW: 490 - 560 | Top 50%+ | These scores demonstrate a reasonable proficiency but might not be enough to qualify for more selective academic programs. |
Below Average | Overall: 950 or Below Math: Below 500 EBRW: Below 500 | Bottom 50% | These scores mean improvement may be needed. |
There are different types of PSAT tests — see this article for a breakdown — but they are all scored similarly.
Just like the SAT, the test is divided into two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math. Your overall PSAT score is a sum of the two sections. You earn one point for each correct answer, with no deductions for incorrect answers or skipped questions.
Your test results sheet breaks down your score by specific skills in each section. This can help you determine which skills are already strong and which might need more work.
Score reports showing your performance on different sections of the test are emailed to you around 4-6 weeks after taking the PSAT.
After taking the PSAT in October, you'll need to wait about two months to see your scores. They’re typically released online during the first week of December — so try not to dwell on it until then!
To view your scores online, you’ll need a College Board account. Your school’s college counselors can help with setting this up, or you can click here to do it yourself.
A printed copy of your scores will also be mailed to you, but it usually won’t arrive until the end of January.
In short, your PSAT score does NOT affect your college admissions chances! Colleges don't see your PSAT scores. The only way they’d find out about them is if you’re recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, in which case you’d mention your PSAT results in your application.
The PSAT is really an opportunity for you to practice and gain experience before taking the SAT!
Congratulations on acing the test! Scoring well on the PSAT shows strong academic proficiency and marks the beginning of your academic journey. Here are a few things you might consider doing to accelerate your progress:
Getting a low score on the PSAT can be stressful. But don't worry — there are plenty of ways you can improve!
Your memory of the PSAT will be clearest right after you’ve finished taking the exam. Quickly write down your immediate thoughts on the exam content and your testing experience for reflection later on. Once you had a chance to rest, sit down and ask yourself these questions:
Review your score report to pinpoint areas where you can improve. The report breaks down your score by skill, so it should be fairly easy to pinpoint which skills need improvement!
Use PSAT practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format and question types. It's also helpful to create a study calendar leading up to test day to keep track of your progress.
Make a list of topics that you struggled with during the last exam and rank them from least to most challenging. Once you've identified these topics, focus your study session on them. Start with the areas you struggle the most with and work your way down the list. You can use the score report from your last exam as a guide. Try and block off 30 minutes to 1 hour every day (if possible) to practice! If you've never taken the PSAT before, we highly recommend doing a practice test and scoring yourself to identify your weak areas.
Once you've addressed those topics, practice full sections of the exam under timed conditions to work on your pacing.
If studying for the PSAT feels overwhelming, or if you're unsure where to begin, you're not alone. Standardized tests can be very intimidating, and many students find it challenging to prepare effectively — especially as test day quickly approaches.
If this sounds like you, consider signing up for personalized tutoring with Crimson. Our expert mentors can quickly help identify your weaknesses and focus on these areas to help you ace the exam! Book a consultation with us here.
Ultimately, what you consider a "good" PSAT score depends on your academic goals. If you're aiming for the National Merit Scholarships, you'll want to earn a score in the Top 10 percentile. But if you just want to use the PSAT as a chance to practice for the SAT, your final score won't really matter.
Don't worry if your score isn't what you hoped for! There are plenty of ways to work on improving before your next test day. And don't forget: the PSAT is a low-stakes exam, since colleges don't use it as part of admissions criteria.
If you want personalized guidance to get your highest possible score on the PSAT, SAT or ACT, schedule a free consultation with us today. Our team of experienced tutors is known for boosting SAT scores by 150+ points!