Decoding the PSAT: A Sophomore's Guide to a Good Score
Are you a sophomore navigating the world of standardized testing and wondering what constitutes a good PSAT score? The PSAT/NMSQT, or Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, is a valuable tool for high school students. It offers a glimpse into the SAT and opens doors to scholarship opportunities. This guide helps 10th graders understand what a good PSAT score looks like and how to achieve it.
Why Take the PSAT as a Sophomore?
Many high school students take the PSAT/NMSQT to prepare for the SAT. Sophomores can use the PSAT as practice for the real deal the following year. Taking the test as a sophomore provides useful experience for the following year. Rather than sitting for it junior year without a practice run, you can improve your performance if you've already taken it in 10th grade.
Defining a "Good" PSAT Score for Sophomores
In most cases, a good score for the PSAT is in the 75th percentile or above for both 10th and 11th graders. A score in the 50th percentile is right at the median, meaning you did better than half of all test-takers. The more test-takers you did better than, the more impressive your score will be. We can define a "good" PSAT score for a sophomore as one that's higher than the 75th percentile. This means that you scored higher than 75% of other sophomores who took the PSAT. An "OK" PSAT score for a sophomore is one that's higher than the 50th percentile, meaning you scored the same as or higher than half of test takers.
For sophomores who took the PSAT in 2021, a total score of 1060 (out of 1520) landed them in the 75th percentile. For the 2023 PSAT, the 75th percentile scores were 520-540 on each section, resulting in a total score of 1060. Generally, a good score is considered to be in the range of 920-1020 for the PSAT/NMSQT, and 430-480 for the PSAT 8/9. Generally, a good PSAT score for a sophomore is one that shows improvement from their freshman year and places them in the top 10% to 25% of test-takers. In terms of specific numbers, a good PSAT score for a sophomore is around 950 to 1200 out of a possible 1520, with a score of 1000 being average.
PSAT Score Percentiles for 10th Grade
To understand what makes a good PSAT score for a sophomore, consider percentiles. Percentiles compare your section and composite scores with those of other test takers. So if your Math score falls in the 80th percentile, you've scored equal to or higher than 80% of test takers (and the remaining 20% scored higher than you).
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Here's a snapshot of PSAT score percentiles for 10th graders:
| Percentile | Total Score | Math Score | Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99+ | 1430-1520 | 740-760 | 720-760 |
| 99 | 1370-1420 | 710-730 | 700-710 |
| 95 | 1250-1260 | 620 | 650 |
| 90 | 1180 | 580 | 610 |
| 85 | 1130 | 550-560 | 580-590 |
| 80 | 1090-1100 | 530-540 | 560-570 |
| 75 (good) | 1060 | 520 | 540-550 |
| 50 (median) | 920 | 450-460 | 470 |
Academic Benchmarks
The College Board offers academic benchmarks to predict future college performance among test-takers. Students who score in the green range have a 75% chance to earn at least a “C” grade in a first-semester college course in the same subject. Students who score in the yellow range are within one year of academic growth of earning a “C” grade. Students in the red are more than a year away from getting a “C” in a first-semester college course.
High school sophomores should aim for a 430 in the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) section and a 480 in the Math section to reach a “good” benchmark.
| PSAT Academic Benchmarks | Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | Math |
|---|---|---|
| Exceeds benchmark (green) | 430-760 | 480-760 |
| Within one year of academic growth (yellow) | 410-420 | 450-470 |
| Below benchmark by more than one year of academic growth (red) | 160-400 | 160-440 |
Understanding Your PSAT Score Report
Your PSAT score report will include both raw and scaled scores for the Math and EBRW sections. You will also receive subscores and cross-test scores. In most cases, you’ll get your scores around eight weeks after the test. Your PSAT score report will feature lots of score types and data. Among this data, you'll get not just one but two percentiles comparing your scores with those of other students.
Here's a breakdown of what you'll find:
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Section Scores: Your section scores for both Math and EBRW. These scores added together equal your total PSAT score out of 1520. Each section is scored on a scale of 160-760.
Test Scores: Used to determine the section scores. Each section is scored on a scale of 8-38.
Cross-Test Scores: Two cross-test scores, each ranging from 8-38:
- Analysis in History/Social Studies
- Analysis in Science
These are not separate sections; rather, questions from both cross-test scores appear on all sections of the PSAT.
Subscores: Reflect how you performed on specific types of skills on all sections of the test, ranging from 1-15. Below are the seven subscores and which sections they appear on:
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- Command of Evidence (Reading, Writing and Language)
- Words in Context (Reading, Writing and Language)
- Expression of Ideas (Writing and Language)
- Standard English Conventions (Writing and Language)
- Heart of Algebra (Math)
- Problem-Solving and Data Analysis (Math)
- Passport to Advanced Math (Math)
Selection Index Scores: The Selection Index applies only to juniors. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation uses the Selection Index to determine which test-takers qualify for National Merit Scholarships. To calculate the Selection Index, add together your test scores for Math, Reading, and Writing and Language, then double that score. The score you need to qualify for a scholarship depends on the state you live in.
PSAT 10 vs. PSAT/NMSQT
Sophomores can choose between two types of PSAT tests: the PSAT 10 and the PSAT/NMSQT. The PSAT 10 is designed specifically for sophomores, so the PSAT/NMSQT may be slightly more rigorous and challenging. Most test-takers should plan on taking the PSAT/NMSQT their sophomore year. While you can’t qualify for the National Merit Scholarship in 10th grade, you can gain valuable experience to prepare for your junior year when you can qualify for the scholarship. If you don’t have much experience with standardized testing, the PSAT 10 may be a better option, as it can ease you into standardized testing and familiarize you with the process.
National Merit Scholarship Eligibility
The National Merit Scholarship Program is only open to high school juniors. So even if you score well on the PSAT as a sophomore, you will not be eligible for the program. Nevertheless, taking the test your sophomore year can provide you with useful practice for the following year. The PSAT/NMSQT also offers excellent preparation for the SAT, which you might take during your junior or senior year.
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) identifies juniors who get top scores on the PSAT. Students whose PSAT scores are in the top 1% are named Semifinalists. Reaching this stage can give you a big boost in college admissions and make you eligible for numerous scholarships. If National Merit is in your sights, you'll want to aim for a score of around 1440 on the PSAT, or about 35-36 as your "test score" on each section (when you take the test as a junior). The exact score you need to qualify varies by state.
Preparing for the PSAT: Strategies for Success
There are multiple steps you can take to prepare for the PSAT, both in your sophomore year and junior year. A potential goal could be scoring in at least the 70th percentile, for example. Once you get the results for your sophomore-year PSAT, you can start to set goals for your junior-year PSAT. Again, if you're aiming for National Merit, you'll need to get a composite score of about 1440 to qualify.
Here are some effective strategies:
- Start preparing early: Preparing for the PSAT/NMSQT is key to achieving a high score. Start preparing during the summer before your sophomore year.
- Familiarize yourself with the test format: The PSAT has two sections - Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. Get to know the format of the test and the types of questions asked.
- Take practice tests: Practice tests are one of the most effective ways to prepare for the PSAT. Take official practice tests from College Board to get an idea of the types of questions and your strengths and weaknesses. After you've taken your first PSAT practice test, look it over and see which questions you got wrong and which ones you got right.
- Review content: Review content covered on the PSAT, such as grammar and vocabulary for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and algebra, geometry, and trigonometry for Math.
- Focus on your weaknesses: Identify the areas where you need the most improvement and focus on them. Use study materials that cater to your weaknesses and improve your understanding of the subjects. Did you score well on Reading and Writing but struggle with Math? Were there specific types of questions or topics that gave you trouble? Then, get to work targeting those weaknesses. For each question you got wrong on your practice test, look at the correct answer and try to re-solve it, using the correct answer as a guide. When studying, be sure to focus extra attention on your weak areas. Brush up on the topics themselves if you need to, and answer lots of practice problems until you feel more confident.
- Improve time management skills: The PSAT/NMSQT is a timed test, so time management is essential. The PSAT is a timed test, so it's important to work on your time management skills. Develop strategies to manage your time effectively during the test. Practice pacing yourself during practice tests and identify areas where you need to work on. Take practice tests and time yourself to see how you are progressing.
- Join a study group: Join a study group or find a study buddy who is also preparing for the PSAT/NMSQT. Studying with others can help keep you motivated and accountable, and you can learn from one another.
- Get help: Consider working with a tutor or taking a test prep course to help you prepare for the PSAT.
- Talk to your guidance counselor: Your guidance counselor can provide information on the National Merit Scholarship and give you advice on preparing for the PSAT/NMSQT. They can also offer recommendations for resources and study materials.
- Stay motivated: Preparing for the PSAT can be challenging, so it's important to stay motivated. Set goals for yourself and reward yourself when you achieve them.
- Do well in school: At the end of the day, the PSAT assesses your proficiency in mathematics, critical reading, and writing-three skills that are central to any high school curriculum.
PSAT vs. SAT: Understanding the Difference
The PSAT is great prep for the SAT, but you might also be taking the SAT or ACT as practice. Many students are anxious to predict their performance on high-stakes standardized tests, like the SAT. The PSAT, which is similar in both format and content, can often project how strong a student’s SAT scores will be. PSAT scores can often predict SAT scores. You can use the PSAT as a learning experience, working on sections you struggle with to ultimately score better on the SAT. The PSAT scoring scale helps you predict your SAT scores. If you score 1500 on the PSAT, you're likely to achieve a similarly high score on the SAT. The scale is shifted about 80 points lower than that of the SAT (which has a total score range of 400-1600) since the PSAT is a slightly easier test.
Common Questions About the PSAT
- Do colleges see your PSAT scores? In general, colleges do not see your PSAT scores, even if you qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. In most cases, only you and your high school receive your score reports and see your PSAT scores.
- When are PSAT scores released? Most years, the College Board releases PSAT scores around eight weeks after you take the test. This date usually falls sometime in December, since the PSAT is administered each year in October.
- How many times do you take the PSAT? Many students only take the PSAT once during the fall of their junior year. While you can only take the test once per year, you can take the PSAT up to three times in total. College preparatory schools often have their students take the test in their sophomore and junior years. Note that only your junior-year score counts for National Merit Scholarships. You can take the PSAT/NMSQT up to three times during high school. It is only offered once per year, but a student can take advantage of the test in the freshman, sophomore, and junior years if they choose to do so.
- When do you take the PSAT? Most students take the PSAT during the fall of their junior year. Some students take the test in the fall of their sophomore year.
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