What Do PSAT Scores Mean?

You signed in, you saw the numbers, and now you want to know what they mean. This guide keeps it simple, helping you understand your score so you can turn it into a plan. No fluff. Just what to look for and what to do next.

Quick take: what matters most

• Total score: 320 to 1520. It is your Reading and Writing score plus your Math score.
• Section scores: 160 to 760 for Reading and Writing, 160 to 760 for Math.
• Percentiles and benchmarks: show how you compare to other students and whether you are on track for college readiness in each section.
• Selection Index: the number National Merit uses for recognition. There is a short formula. We show it below with an example.
• Action items: connect to free practice, map test policies on your college list, and use Appily tools to build a reach, match, and safety list. (We’ll go into more detail on this below)

Your PSAT total score

After you sign into your College Board account to see your score report, look at the top of your report for the big number. That is your total score. It uses the same skill scale as the SAT, but it’s just in a shorter range. So the improvement you make for the PSAT carries forward to the SAT. Think of this as your current snapshot, not your lifetime label.

Reading, Writing, and Math section scores

These sit right under the total. Each section runs from 160 to 760. Your report shows a bar with green or yellow markers. Green means you met the benchmark for your grade. Yellow means you are close and can get there with targeted practice.

What the benchmarks mean

PSAT benchmarks are based on high school grade levels. They tell you if you are on track for college readiness in each section. For most juniors, the benchmark is higher than for sophomores. That is normal. More classes, more practice, higher targets.

PSAT vs. SAT ranges and grade-level benchmarks

Knowledge and Skills: the eight content areas

Your digital report also shows how you did in eight content domains. Four live under Reading and Writing, four under Math. Use this to spot concrete skill gaps. Maybe, for you, it’s “Algebra” or “Craft and Structure” that needs work. That is where your practice should start.

The National Merit Selection Index

National Merit uses a Selection Index as an initial screen for recognition.

How to calculate it from your score report:

1. Take your Reading and Writing section score, double it.
2. Add your Math section score.
3. Divide by 10.

The Selection Index runs from 48 to 228. State cutoffs change every year. If the National Merit Scholarship is a goal, focus on raising your Selection Index by strengthening Reading and Writing first, then Math.

​​Raising your Selection Index

Reading and writing count twice in the formula. So give the area of study extra attention. Build your vocabulary in context, practice grammar and usage, and read short nonfiction daily. Math still matters, so keep algebra and data sets in the study rotation.

If you're curious to learn more, you can access this guide to the National Merit Scholarship. We also like this up-to-date article that covers how cutoff scores are determined. 

What is a “good” PSAT score?

A good PSAT score depends on your grade and your goals. Here is a quick overview you can use for context:

• For juniors, the top 10 percent is roughly 1270 and up. That is a strong place to be for many college lists.
• For sophomores, percentiles are different because the comparison group is different. Use the benchmark bars and your percentile to judge “on track,” not a single magic number.
• Chasing National Merit? Watch the Selection Index, since state cutoffs set recognition.

Reading your percentile without stress

Your percentile score shows how you compare to other students in your grade. Use it with the green or yellow benchmark bars to decide if you are on track. The top 10 percent is a strong signal, but every student can move up with targeted practice.

But remember, your PSAT score is just one tool to help you plan for college. 

Our expert, Wenie, tells her students:

"It's important for you to recognize that your PSAT score is just a guiding principle to help you as you start to navigate this college journey. There are thousands of colleges out there that are going to ask for students to share standardized testing scores. And then there are tons of institutions out there that give you the option to send in your standardized test."

Do colleges see PSAT scores?

No. Colleges do not receive PSAT scores. The PSAT matters for practice and for National Merit, not for admissions. Keep the focus on learning the format, building skills, and setting up your SAT plan.

What to do the week your scores drop

• Connect to free official practice. Link your College Board account to Khan Academy so your practice targets your exact skill gaps. Here’s how to link the two:
  • Sign in to College Board, then open your PSAT report.
  • Choose to connect your scores to Khan Academy.
  • Pick two lowest content areas. Set three short practice blocks this week.
  • Use the Bluebook full-length practice once this month to check progress.
     
• Block out six to eight weeks. Pick an SAT date, then work backward to build a study routine that fits your life. Practices after school, bus rides, Saturday mornings. Whatever is really going to work for you.
• Use fee waivers if you qualify. Fee waivers cover two SAT registrations, unlimited score reports, some application fees, and more. Ask your counselor.
• Open Appily’s acceptance calculator. Enter your GPA and any test scores you have. Use the results to sketch a reach, match, and safety list. Then save the schools you like.
• Add one scholarship search session. Take five minutes to set up filters on Appily, then schedule a weekly sweep. Small awards stack up.

Use your report to build a simple plan

1. Pick one Reading and Writing domain and one Math domain where you scored lower. Example: “Words in Context” and “Problem Solving and Data.”
2. Do three short practice sets this week, each for ten to fifteen minutes a pop. Score them. Take note of the mistakes made and repeat your practice.
3. Re-test those same areas next week. If your accuracy goes up, take the win. If it stalls, switch tactics: videos first, then practice, or a buddy study session.
4. If you are aiming for National Merit, prioritize Reading and Writing, since they count double in the Selection Index.

Example scenarios

You scored 980 as a junior and met the Math benchmark, but not Reading and Writing. 

What to do: Set a six week focus on reading short passages daily, then do four timed RW practice sets per week. Keep Math warm with two sets per week. Re-test on a full-length practice in Bluebook at week four, then tune.

You scored 1120 as a sophomore with strong Algebra but weaker geometry. 

What to do: Add a geometry refresh two days a week. Ask your teacher for one office hours visit to clarify triangles and circles. Small fixes, real points.

You think testing might be optional on your list. 

What to do: Keep one SAT on the calendar anyway. If your practice scores rise, great, you have another data point. If not, you can lean on grades, courses, and essays.

Test optional policy reality check 

Some colleges require the SAT or ACT again. Many are still test-optional. To be prepared, build two versions of your college list. One that includes colleges that require test scores, and one that does not. 

If your practice SAT score rises into a range that helps you, you know you’ll want to send it. If not, lean on your GPA, course rigor, and activities.

If your PSAT scores are missing…

• Confirm you are signing in with the same College Board account you used to register.
• Check that your name and birthdate match those submitted by your school.
• Ask your school’s test coordinator to verify your registration.
• If you’re still stuck, contact College Board support. 

Your next three moves

1. Link to official practice and take one full-length digital practice test in Bluebook this month.
2. Run your current stats in Appily’s acceptance calculator. Save five schools you’re interested in.
3. Put the next SAT date on your calendar. Invite a friend to study with you. Keep it real and consistent.

PSAT to SAT planning

It probably feels like taking the SAT is a long way off, but it creeps up on you quickly. Here’s an overview of how you can study and prepare so you’re ready when it’s time to take the test.

An SAT prep timeline that actually works

• Pick an SAT date that lands one to two months after you start regular study sessions.
• Practice weekly for three short sessions, and one longer set on weekends.
• Take one full-length practice test every two to three weeks.
• Register before the deadlines to keep your preferred test center.
• After the real SAT, reuse this plan if you want to take the test again. 

PSAT FAQs