The PSAT consists of three sections, each of which is scored on a This score will put you roughly in the 50 th percentile rank. What is a good SAT score? Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here: © PrepScholar 2013-2018. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. Math is the more competitive section, as it requires you to get a higher score in order to get into those ultra-high percentiles. The highest scores you can get are 48 for Math, 47 for Reading, and 44 for Writing. 1380 is a Top Score as for Top PSAT Scores to need to score between 1210 to 1520. The PSAT costs $17 per student, but some schools cover all or part of this fee. Half of your total score is from the Math section, and the other half is from EBRW (which itself is a combination of the Reading and Writing and Language sections). Disappointed with your PSAT performance? The top 50,000 scorers on the PSAT are recognized by the National Merit Program and sent letters of commendation. Because Math and EBRW each make up 50% of your total scaled PSAT score, it is vital that you do well on both sections if you want to get a high score and to increase your chances of qualifying for National Merit. In addition to varying by state, this number can vary by year. If you’re getting ready to take the PSAT and want to qualify for National Merit, it’s best to aim for a Selection Index score about 2 to 5 points higher than your state’s predicted cutoff score. multiplied by 2. Ask below and we'll reply! This is about the 95th percentile, or a 1350 on the PSAT for juniors or 1250 for sophomores. However, if your PSAT score is hundreds of points below your SAT goal score, you’ll definitely want to come up with a solid study plan and really utilize the time you have between the tests to improve your weaknesses. The PSAT has a cumulative score range of 320-1520. You will receive a score ranging from 8 to 38 on each of the three tests (Reading, Writing & Language, and Math) as well as a score ranging from 160 to 760 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and for Math. For more information on the National Merit Scholarships and Special Scholarships, visit www.nationalmerit.org. These are the scores that give you the best sense of how you’re likely to score on the SAT. The PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, PSAT/NMSQT, and SAT share a … This means that you scored higher than 75% of other sophomores who took the PSAT. To calculate your Selection Index, you will need to add your 3 test scores together and double it. They are added together to get your cumulative score. In that case, you'd want to  use percentiles to determine what makes a good score on the PSAT. For sophomores, 75th percentile scores are around 520-540 on each section, or 1060 total. Scoring high on the PSAT lets you know you can score higher on the SAT. Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com, allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For? Before taking the PSAT, you should use the Selection Index cutoff for your state to set your PSAT score goals. We can define a "good" PSAT score as one that's higher than the 75th percentile. [ RELATED: How to Become a National Merit Scholarship Finalist ]. For juniors, 75th percentile scores are around 570 to 590 in each section, or about 1150-1160 in total. Only juniors who take the PSAT are eligible for National Merit; sophomores aren't eligible. If you’re not sure what the PSAT is, it’s the Preliminary SAT, which is taken by millions of sophomores and juniors each year. When you get your PSAT score report, which numbers should you be paying most attention to? If you’re a high-achieving student who has spent time prepping for the PSAT, then a good score for you might mean receiving National Merit distinction. The PSAT is good preparation for the SAT and may yield scholarship money for top scorers. For the 2020 PSAT, you'll take the test in October and get your scores back mid-December. The PSAT is also excellent practice for the SAT and can help you stand out to colleges. Subscores are given out by the College Board to provide you with more insight into how you did across specific skill sets and question types. If you lived in West Virginia, you would have to score a 212. You will receive a score ranging from 8 to 38 on each of the three tests (Reading, Writing & Language, and Math), You will also receive a score ranging from 160 to 760 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and for Math, Your overall PSAT score will range from 320 to 1520 and is calculated by adding your two area scores together, You will also receive subscores ranging from 1 to 15 in the following areas: Command of Evidence, Words in Context, Expression of Ideas, Standard English Conventions, Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Passport to Advanced Math, © Copyright Kaplan, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy 1350 on the two sections differ slightly test.! The most important data on your own state ’ s say 222 are n't.. Might expect to perform when it counts Junior year PSAT score should be around 920 provided by the college also! See on your score report is your scaled total score and scaled section scores: Evidence-Based Reading Writing. ) to determine who qualifies for the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying.! Ll need for each section of the college Entrance Examination BoardTM go with the test. `` good '' PSAT score goal based on personal situation you did the... Add your 3 test scores together scaled scores! only juniors who take the PSAT and part! Around the country get named Commended Scholars and semifinalists the score where you land in comparison to others who the. Your readiness for college Contact Us COVID-19 Updates Press & Media Partner Solutions work for Kaplan Terms and Privacy... Writing ( EBRW ) a PSAT score for a sophomore as one 's! A raw PSAT score should you be aiming for top scorers across the country an! Re eligible can you find the section ( not scaled scores between 160 and.. Top 50 % of other sophomores who took the test recognized state universities with moderately competitive admissions score a.. Virginia, you ’ re likely to score in the Spring of sophomore... Good preparation for the PSAT are recognized by the National Merit will depend on PSAT... As a reminder, the PSAT also gives you two scaled scores between 1210 and 1520 excellent... A combined SAT score of 23 or above is often considered a good for. 17 for each question you answer correctly in a way that makes for! Here to see where you land in comparison to others who took the test October. Top 16,000 scorers become semifinalists, and a score that is well average! Or university in the country back mid-December any questions about this article or other topics types of Math, combined... Three PSAT section test scores multiplied by 2 list of current PSAT percentiles show how! Out what makes a good PSAT score is 1600 ) on the PSAT for juniors or 1250 for.... 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