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

What is a Good PSAT Score? Find Score Ranges & Tips for High School Students Here!

Last Updated on Jul 11, 2025

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Thinking about your PSAT score and wondering if it's actually "good"? You're not alone! Whether you've already taken the test or you're prepping to appear for it soon, understanding what makes a strong PSAT score can give you a serious edge. Typically, a good PSAT score falls between 1210 and 1520—this range puts you in the top 10% of all test-takers nationwide. Not only does a good score give you more confidence on the SAT, but it can also lead to scholarships such as the National Merit Scholarship. Therefore, if you're targeting selective colleges or financial scholarships, having knowledge of the score benchmarks and where you measure up is crucial. Let's get down to it!

Did You Know Facts About a Good PSAT Score?

  • ⭐ A score of 1400+ on the PSAT puts you among the top performers nationwide.
  • 📊 The average PSAT score is around 920, so anything above that is considered strong.
  • 🏆 The maximum PSAT score is 1520—perfect score bragging rights!
  • 🎯 Your 11th-grade PSAT/NMSQT score is the only one eligible for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship.
  • 🗺️ Each state sets its cutoff score for National Merit eligibility.

What Is The Good Score for PSAT?

A good PSAT score varies depending on individual goals and grade levels. For juniors, scores between 1210 and 1520 place you in the top 10% of test-takers. The PSAT is scored on a scale of 320 to 1520, with each section—Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math—scored between 160 and 760. The average PSAT score is around 920, so aiming for a score above this benchmark is advisable. Achieving a high PSAT score reflects strong academic skills and opens opportunities for scholarships, such as the National Merit Scholarship Program, which considers top performers based on state-specific cutoffs.

When Do PSAT Scores Come Out?

PSAT/NMSQT scores are typically available online 4–6 weeks after the test administration. For the October 2025 testing window, scores are expected to be released in December 2025 

How to Access Your PSAT Scores

Once your scores are available, you can access them through:

  • College Board Account: Log in to your account to view your scores.
  • BigFuture® School Mobile App: If you provided your mobile number on test day, you'll receive a text message with instructions on downloading the app and viewing your scores.
  • School Counselor: Your school may provide a printed score report.

How does PSAT Scoring Work?

The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is a standardized test administered by the College Board, designed to assess high school students' college readiness and provide practice for the SAT. Understanding how the PSAT is scored can help you interpret your results and plan your next steps effectively.

Test Structure and Scoring

The PSAT consists of two main sections:

  • Reading and Writing: This section assesses your ability to understand and analyze written material and your command of evidence and language skills.
  • Math: This section evaluates your problem-solving abilities, algebraic reasoning, and understanding of mathematical concepts.

Every part consists of two modules, and the test is given in a multistage adaptive format. The second module's difficulty is based on one's performance on the first module, so evaluation can be done more accurately.

Your scores are calculated as follows:

  • Section Scores: Each section (Reading and Writing, Math) is scored on a scale of 160 to 760.
  • Total Score: The total PSAT score is the sum of the two section scores, ranging from 320 to 1520.
  • Selection Index: Used for National Merit Scholarship Program consideration, calculated as [ (2 × Reading & Writing Score) + Math Score] ÷ 10, ranging from 48 to 228. 

Understanding Percentiles

Your PSAT score report includes percentile rankings, which indicate how your performance compares to other test-takers. For example, a percentile 63 means you scored better than 63% of all test-takers. This can help you understand your relative standing among peers.

Implications of Your Score

There is some scholarship like the National Merit Scholarship Program which really opens up for you if you have a great PSAT score. In addition, PSAT results could predict how you are likely to perform on the SAT, thus allowing you an opportunity to assess the area(s) you need to work on before sitting for the SAT.

6 Strategies for a Good PSAT Score

Want to improve your PSAT score? Here's the key! Practice regularly, learn time management, review areas of weakness, take full-length practice tests, pick up test strategies, and learn from your mistakes. Consistency and intelligent prep are the keys!

  • Take practice tests often—familiarity is everything! The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel on test day. 
  • Focus on your weak spots, whether tricky math problems or challenging reading passages. 
  • Master your timing so you're steady but not rushed. 
  • Use official PSAT resources—they're free and straight from the test makers. 
  • Never skip reviewing mistakes; that's where real learning happens. 
  • And read as much as you can—complex articles sharpen your comprehension skills big time! 

PSAT Score Percentiles and Good PSAT Scores

PSAT percentiles are the scores that tell you how your score compares to students nationally. The higher the percentile, the better you ranked compared to others. Getting a 90th percentile or better score (around 1280+) places you in the top 10% of those who take the test. The 75th percentile (about 1150) is also excellent. Aiming for 1150 to 1520 puts you in the range of a perfect PSAT score!

Category

Math Score Range

Writing & Reading Score Range

Overall Score Range

Best PSAT Scores

620+

620+

1210-1520

Competitive PSAT Scores

560-610

560-610

1070-1200

Above Average PSAT Scores

500-550

500-550

950-1060

Below Average PSAT Scores

Below 500

Below 500

950 or below

Why Does Getting a Good PSAT Score Matter for Your Future?

Earning a good PSAT score isn't just about numbers—it's about opening doors. Your PSAT score is important. A strong score can help you get scholarships and prepare well for the SAT. You may have more opportunities now and later in your academic journey by achieving a good score. Check how getting a good PSAT score matters for your future.

Unlock Scholarships Like the National Merit Scholarship

Scoring big on the PSAT doesn't feel good—it can pay off! One of the biggest perks is qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship Program, one of the most prestigious scholarships tied directly to your PSAT score. If you're among the top scorers, you could become a semifinalist. Combine that with a strong SAT score and solid application, and you might advance to finalist status—hello, serious scholarship money!

Aim for Good PSAT Scores to Boost Your SAT Scores

Reaching for a great PSAT score does more than read well on paper—it positions you for massive success on the SAT. When your PSAT scores arrive, they're linked to your College Board account, unlocking a treasure trove of tailored SAT study tools. They identify precisely where you need to improve, with laser-guided practice tests and study schedules. It's like having a map to SAT perfection that is tailored to you!

Conclusion

The PSAT results serve as a score and a starting point for SAT preparation. You may be eligible for scholarships with a good PSAT score of 1210–1520. The Pre-SAT also helps in increasing your confidence on the SAT. Good PSAT = Good SAT Scores, eventually leading to your college applications being noticed. Practice harder, work on your weaknesses, and aim higher each time. The PSAT is your first chance to shine, make the most of it, and be yourself!

Latest PSAT Updates

Last updated on Jul 21, 2025

What is a Good PSAT Score? FAQs

In general, a good PSAT score is said to range anywhere from 1210 to 1520, thus placing candidates among the top 10 percentile of test-takers. If a student averages above 1400, it may help them in applying for some of the top scholarships.

Competitive PSAT scores range from 1070 to 1200, placing you in the top 25% of test-takers. These scores give you a solid foundation for competitive college admissions.

Above-average PSAT scores range from 950 to 1060, putting you ahead of more than 50% of test-takers. These scores may not be sufficient for highly competitive scholarships, but are still considered solid.

The lowest PSAT score is below 500 in the Math and Writing & Reading sections. An overall score below 950 is considered below average compared to most test-takers.

Your PSAT score serves as a practice run for the SAT and helps identify areas of improvement. A strong PSAT score increases your chances of scoring well on the SAT.

The National Merit Scholarship cutoff score varies by state, but students typically need a PSAT score above 1400 to be eligible. Each state has its qualifying score based on performance trends.