As you gear up for the SAT in your sophomore or junior year, you might be thinking about how to boost your score on this big test. As such, the PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, offers a great way to see where you stand and figure out what areas you need to work on.

While the PSAT isn’t a must for everyone, your score matters more if you’re eyeing programs like the National Merit Scholarship. Understanding your PSAT test score and your potential SAT/ACT scores is a key step in shaping your college list.  

In this post, we will break down what your PSAT scores mean and how they fit into the larger college admissions puzzle.  

Let’s get started! 

How PSAT Scores and Percentiles are Calculated?  

When you get your PSAT test score report, it might seem like many numbers are coming at you. But breaking it down is easier than it seems.  

1. Total Score  

The PSAT is scored between 320 and 1520, which comes from adding your two section scores: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. This total score gives you a rough idea of how you might perform on the SAT, which is scored out of 1600.  

2. Section Scores  

You’ll get individual scores for Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, each ranging from 160 to 760. Use these to gauge your strengths and pinpoint where you might need more practice before the SATs.  

3. Subscores  

Subscores dig even deeper to show you how you performed in specific areas like Algebra, Problem Solving, or Command of Evidence.  

4. Percentiles  

Your percentile rank reflects how you compare to other students who took the test. If you're in the 85th percentile, it means you scored higher than 85% of test-takers. Percentiles are a great way to understand your performance in the bigger picture.  

What Does Your PSAT Score Mean for College Admissions?  

While the PSAT itself isn’t used in college admissions decisions, it serves as an important stepping stone for several reasons.  

1. SAT Practice  

Since the PSAT is designed to mimic the SAT, your scores give you a solid preview of how you might perform on the actual test. Colleges do look at SAT or ACT scores, so doing well on the PSAT can boost your confidence and help you prepare more effectively for them.  

2. College Readiness Indicator  

Your PSAT scores also give you an early indication of your readiness for college-level coursework. In case your scores are lower than expected, it’s a great wake-up call to start studying early and improve in the areas where you’re struggling.  

PSAT Scores and the National Merit Scholarship Program  

One of the most exciting aspects of taking the PSAT in your junior year is the chance to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Here’s a quick rundown of how it works.  

1. National Merit Index  

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation uses your Selection Index to determine if you qualify. The score is calculated by adding your PSAT Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores together and then multiplying by two. The total score will be between 48 and 228.  

2. State Cutoff Scores  

Every year, the National Merit Program sets a qualifying cutoff score for each state. If your Selection Index meets or exceeds that score, you may become a semi-finalist.  

3. Advancing to Finalist Status  

Semi-finalists need to submit a detailed application, including their SAT scores, high school transcript, and an essay. From there, around 15,000 students are selected as finalists, and of those, about 7,500 receive one of three types of scholarships: National Merit, corporate-sponsored, or college-sponsored.  

What to Do After Getting Your PSAT Scores?  

The PSAT is just the beginning, and you still have time to improve your scores for the SAT or ACT. Here are some actionable tips for maximizing your test performance.  

1. Create a Study Plan  

The first thing you should do is review your PSAT test score report. Identify the areas where you struggled and focus your study efforts there.  

If math was your weakest area, spend extra time practising algebra and problem-solving. If you have trouble with reading comprehension, concentrate on improving critical reading skills. Setting specific goals for each section will keep you on track and make sure you’re improving where it matters most.  

2. Take Practice Tests  

Practice makes perfect, and that’s especially true for standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. Taking full-length practice tests will help you get comfortable with the format, improve your timing, and build confidence.   

Aim to take at least three practice tests before the actual exam. After each test, review your mistakes and focus on correcting them.  

3. Work on Time Management  

Many students find the timing of standardized tests challenging. When you practice, make sure to simulate real test conditions by setting a timer for each section. Doing this will help you get used to the pacing of the exam and prevent you from running out of time on test day.  

4. Consider a Prep Course or Tutor  

If self-studying isn’t enough or you need more structure, consider enrolling in a test prep course or working with a tutor. A PSAT test prep course can offer a structured timeline, strategies, and resources specifically designed to improve your scores. Tutors can provide personalized guidance based on your strengths and weaknesses.  

5. Use Official Prep Materials  

One of the best free resources is the SAT prep material available on the College Board website. The questions are designed to mimic real test questions and provide detailed explanations for each answer. Used correctly, these materials can be one of the most valuable tools in your test-prep arsenal.  

Final Thoughts  

Your PSAT scores are a valuable tool for shaping your future. Leverage your score report to identify where you can improve, create a personalized SAT study plan, and aim for excellence.  

In the end, the key to success is using your scores strategically. So, put them to good use and get ready to conquer the SAT and beyond.

Get personalized, expert guidance to help you ace the PSAT and set yourself up for SAT success. At Score at the Top, we offer tailored PSAT test prep that targets your weaknesses and maximizes your strengths.  

Contact us today! 

This webinar took place on December 11, 2019.