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Understanding Your PSAT Scores & Their Role in College Admissions


The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) is more than just a practice test for the SAT—it plays a key role in college admissions, scholarship opportunities, and academic planning. Whether you’ve just received your PSAT scores or are preparing to take the test, understanding what your results mean can help you make informed decisions about your college journey.


What Is the PSAT?


The PSAT is a standardized test administered by the College Board and typically taken in 10th or 11th grade. It serves several purposes:

  • Practice for the SAT: The PSAT mirrors the format and question types of the SAT, helping students prepare for the official exam.

  • National Merit Scholarship Qualification: High-scoring juniors may qualify for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program.

  • College and Career Readiness Indicator: Your PSAT score provides insight into your academic strengths and areas for improvement.


Breaking Down Your PSAT Score Report


Your PSAT score report includes several components:

1. Total Score (320-1520)

  • This is the sum of your Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (160-760) and Math (160-760) scores.

  • Unlike the SAT, the PSAT is scored out of 1520, not 1600.

2. Section Scores

  • Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (ERW): Measures comprehension, grammar, and language skills.

  • Math: Tests algebra, problem-solving, and data analysis.

3. Selection Index (For National Merit Qualification)

  • The Selection Index is calculated by doubling your ERW score and adding your Math score.

  • This number determines eligibility for National Merit Scholarships (cutoff varies by state).

4. Percentile Ranking

  • Compares your performance to other students nationwide.

  • A 90th percentile score means you scored higher than 90% of test-takers.


How Do PSAT Scores Impact College Admissions?


While colleges do not consider PSAT scores in admission decisions, they can influence your college journey in several ways:

1. National Merit Scholarships

  • Juniors who score in the top 1% of their state qualify as National Merit Semifinalists.

  • Finalists can earn scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) or partner universities.

2. Identifying Strengths & Weaknesses

  • Use your PSAT score report to pinpoint areas for improvement before taking the SAT or ACT.

  • The College Board’s “Your College Readiness Benchmarks” indicate whether you’re on track for college success.

3. Connecting with Colleges

  • If you opted into the College Board’s Student Search Service, colleges may send you recruitment materials based on your PSAT performance.


What to Do After Receiving Your PSAT Scores


1. Use PSAT Scores to Guide SAT Prep

  • Take note of which types of questions you struggled with and target them in your study plan.

  • Use Khan Academy’s free SAT prep, which provides personalized practice based on your PSAT results.

2. Consider Taking the ACT

  • If your PSAT scores indicate a stronger aptitude for reading/writing but weaker math performance, you may want to explore the ACT, which includes a science section and gives equal weight to all sections.

3. Research Colleges & Scholarships

  • Look for schools that offer merit-based scholarships tied to National Merit status.

  • Begin building a college list based on your interests and PSAT performance.


Final Thoughts


The PSAT is more than just a practice test—it’s a valuable tool for scholarship opportunities, SAT preparation, and college planning. By understanding your scores and taking strategic next steps, you can maximize your potential and set yourself up for college success.




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