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Home / PSAT Exam 2024: Full Form, Benefits, Structure, Registration, and Key Differences from SAT / PSAT Score

Average PSAT Score 2025: What’s a Good Score & How to Improve It

Last Updated on Jul 11, 2025

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Getting ready for the PSAT in 2025? It’s a great way to see how you're doing before taking the SAT Exam. The average PSAT score this year is about 930, which means most students score somewhere around that number. The test has two parts—Reading and Writing, and Math—each scored from 160 to 760. Your total score will be between 320 and 1520. If your score is higher than 930, that’s a strong sign you're doing well. The PSAT doesn’t go on your college applications, but it’s still important. It helps you practice, track your progress, and could even help you qualify for scholarships like the National Merit. So take it seriously and try your best!

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Did you Know Facts About Average PSAT Score?

  • 🎓 Over 3.5 million students take the PSAT/NMSQT each year—yep, you’re in good company!
  • 🏅 The PSAT isn’t just a practice run—it could earn you a National Merit Scholarship!
  • 📊 The highest PSAT score is 1520, not 1600 like the SAT—sneaky difference, right?
  • 📚 Most students take the PSAT in 10th or 11th grade, but guess what? There’s a PSAT 8/9 for younger test-takers too!
  • 📈 The average PSAT/NMSQT score is 930, and for 10th graders, it’s around 902—so scoring above that means you’re ahead of the game!

What Is the PSAT?

The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) is an SAT practice test but it's not just that. It's also referred to as the PSAT/NMSQT, which stands for National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The test gets you ready for college entrance exams and assesses your academic skills as well as help you qualify for scholarships. There are three types of the PSAT:

  1. PSAT 8/9: The PSAT 8/9 exam is specifically designed for use by students in the 8th and 9th grades. It provides students with an early introduction to becoming accustomed to and preparing for future standardized tests such as the SAT.
  2. PSAT 10: PSAT 10 is administered to 10th graders. It is similar to the PSAT/NMSQT but does not count toward National Merit Scholarship eligibility.
  3. PSAT/NMSQT: This test is typically for 11th graders but may also be taken by 10th graders. It's the official qualifying test for National Merit Scholarships and is great practice for the SAT.

What Is The Average PSAT Score?

The PSAT is an important test that helps students prepare for the SAT and qualify for scholarships. The PSAT average score varies depending on the test type. Below is a breakdown of the mean scores for different PSAT versions, including the total score, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) score, and Math score for each test. Check out the table to see the averages!

Test Type

Mean Total Score

ERW Score

Math Score

Total

930

470

460

PSAT/NMSQT

933

470

462

PSAT 10

902

462

440

PSAT 8/9

819

412

407

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Average PSAT/NMSQT Score

The average PSAT/NMSQT score is about 933. Most students score around 470 in Reading and Writing and 462 in Math. This gives you a good idea of how students perform on the test usually. Since most 10th and 11th graders take the PSAT to get ready for the SAT—or even to qualify for scholarships—it’s a great way to see where you stand and what you might need to work on.

Average PSAT Score for 10th Graders

The average PSAT 10 score is 902, with 462 in the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) section and 440 in Math. This score indicates how most 10th graders perform on the PSAT 10. Taking the PSAT 10 is an excellent way to become familiar with the SAT format and get a sense of how you're doing before the actual thing arises later. It's like a preview that helps you determine what to practice and where you're already good.

Average PSAT 8/9 Score

The average PSAT 8/9 score is around 819, with most students getting about 412 in Reading and Writing and 407 in Math. This test is made for 8th and 9th graders and gives you an early look at what the SAT will be like. It’s a helpful way to see where you’re starting and what you can improve on over time. While it’s a great starting point for practice, it’s normal for scores to improve as you continue through high school.

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Good PSAT Score

What counts as a good PSAT score really depends on your goals and your grade level. For juniors, scoring between 1210 and 1520 puts you in the top 10% of students—pretty impressive! The PSAT is scored from 320 to 1520, with each section (Reading & Writing and Math) ranging from 160 to 760. Since the average score is around 930, aiming higher than that is a solid goal. A strong score not only shows you’re doing great academically, but it can also open doors to scholarships—like the National Merit Scholarship, which recognizes top scorers based on where you live.

Factors Influencing Your PSAT Score

Several factors can influence your PSAT score, including your test familiarity, math and reading skills, and amount of rehearsal. The main factors affecting your PSAT score are Content Knowledge, Test-taking skills, preparation timeline, academic goals and benchmark comparisons. The better prepared and focused you are, the higher your chance of getting a better score. The following are the major factors that affect your score:

Factor

Description

Content Knowledge

Have content knowledge on what will be appearing in the exam and be familiar with PSAT Sections. Allow yourself time to understand key concepts.

Test-Taking Skills

Learn about the test format and focus to enhance time management. Grasp effective guessing strategies. Focus on your test-taking skills.

Preparation Timeline

Begin planning ahead—utilize sophomore and junior years to strengthen and fix weaknesses.

Academic Goals

Set PSAT goals aligned with your long-term academic ambitions, such as college admission or scholarships.

Benchmark Comparisons

Use data from the College Board to compare your performance against national averages and readiness standards.

🚀 Know When Do You Take The PSAT here!

How to Improve Your PSAT Score?

If you'd like to increase your PSAT score, it requires a little bit of work and some wise planning—but it's definitely possible. Below are a couple of suggestions that will help you get better, feel more prepared, and enter test day with confidence.

  1. Take Practice Tests: Mimic actual test conditions to become familiar with the format.
  2. Target Weak Areas: Review your scores for your practice test and practice with areas you struggled with.
  3. Master Time Management: Practice pacing to avoid rushing on the test.
  4. Practice Grammar & Math Rules: Practice algebra, geometry, and grammar basics.
  5. Use Official Study Resources: Free PSAT prep materials from College Board & Testbook USA are great tools.
  6. Stay Consistent: A little studying each day is more effective than cramming the night before!

Conclusion

The PSAT is not only a practice test—it's a significant step toward preparing for the SAT and may even lead to scholarships such as the National Merit Scholarship. Because the average PSAT score is around 930, it gives you a valuable benchmark to know how you stack up. Regardless of your grade—8th, 10th, or 11th—you can use the average score for your grade to track your progress. Pacing yourself on what you're being tested for, knowing clever test-taking shortcuts, and practicing regularly can really help your score improve and allow you to reach your educational goals—and maybe even score yourself a scholarship along the way.

Latest PSAT Updates

Last updated on Jul 22, 2025

Average PSAT Score FAQs

The average PSAT score is around 930, with scores varying by grade level. 10th graders tend to score around 902, while 11th graders taking the PSAT/NMSQT score around 933.
The maximum PSAT score is 1520. This is the total of both the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math sections, each of which is scored between 160 and 760. v v
A score higher than the average (around 930) is good, especially if it is higher than 1000. A high PSAT score may make you eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
To improve your score, practice regularly, focus on your weak spots, use official study resources, and work on time management during practice tests.
No, the PSAT does not actually contribute to college admissions. Rather, it prepares you for the SAT and can make you eligible for scholarships like the National Merit.
The PSAT 8/9 is taken by 8th and 9th graders. It's a wonderful way to begin preparing for future standardized tests like the SAT and offers early feedback on your academic abilities.
Start preparing early, ideally in your sophomore or junior year, in order to have ample time to address weaknesses and improve your performance.