With the recent shift to digital testing, you might be wondering about your potential performance on the PSAT®. Look no further! Our brand-new interactive digital PSAT® score calculator is here to help you gauge how your raw score might convert to your official PSAT® score. No more guessing or stressing—get insights into the age-old question, “How ready am I for the digital PSAT®?”

Educators: Remember, Albert offers pilots to all qualified schools and districts. Equip your students with the tools they need to succeed!

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What are the PSAT® tests?

The PSAT®, or Preliminary SAT®, is a series of standardized tests that the College Board offers for students in eighth grade and high school. These exams serve as practice for the SAT® and can also lead to scholarship opportunities.

1. Juniors | PSAT®/NMSQT® (Preliminary SAT®/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test): Primarily taken by high school juniors, this test can qualify top scorers for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Sophomores and younger students can also take it for practice.
2. Sophomores | PSAT® 10: Similar in content to the PSAT®/NMSQT, the PSAT® 10 is designed specifically for sophomores. It doesn’t qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship but provides valuable feedback for SAT® preparation.
3. 8th Graders and Freshmen | PSAT® 8/9: This version is tailored for younger students, typically in 8th and 9th grades. It serves as an early indicator of college and career readiness and helps students and educators understand areas of focus for further academic development.

Each version of the PSAT® assesses the skills and knowledge students should be acquiring at their respective grade levels. Additionally, as of 2023, all versions of the PSAT® are digital. While the tests have similar content and question styles, designers tailor the difficulty and focus areas to match the progression of students’ education. Taking these tests can provide valuable insights into a student’s academic strengths and areas for improvement. They set the stage for future success on the SAT® and beyond.

After taking any version of the PSAT®, students often wonder how they performed and what their scores might mean. Our PSAT® score calculator is a valuable tool to help interpret these scores. It can offer an estimate of how scores might translate on the actual SAT® and provide a clearer picture of where a student stands academically

What is the PSAT® out of?

With the transition to a digital format, the PSAT® has introduced an adaptive testing approach. Let’s look at the scoring system of this new digital PSAT® to help you make the most of our PSAT® Score Calculator.

PSAT® Score Components and Adaptive Testing:

• Reading and Writing Modules:
  • Module 1: Your raw score for this module is determined by the number of correct answers out of the 27 questions presented.
  • Module 2 (Adaptive Component): Based on your performance in Module 1, the digital PSAT® will determine the set of questions you receive in Reading and Writing Module 2. This module also consists of 27 questions, and your raw score is based on the number of correct answers.
  • The raw scores from both Reading and Writing modules are combined and then converted to your Reading and Writing Section Score, which can range from 160-760 for the PSAT® 10/NMSQT® (120-720 for the PSAT® 8/9).
• Math Modules:
  • Module 1: Your raw score for this module is based on the number of correct answers out of the 22 questions.
  • Module 2 (Adaptive Component): Your performance in Math Module 1 will influence the questions you encounter in Math Module 2, which also consists of 22 questions. Your raw score for this module is determined by the number of correct answers.
  • The combined raw scores from both Math modules are then converted to your Math Section Score, which can range from 160-760 for the PSAT® 10/NMSQT® (120-720 for the PSAT® 8/9).

Given these components, your total PSAT® 10/NMSQT® Score can range from 320 to 1520. The PSAT® 8/9 ranges from 240 to 1440.

How is the PSAT® scored?

The PSAT® serves as more than just a practice test. It’s a valuable tool that provides insights into your potential SAT® performance.

Curving and Scaling

• Raw Scores: Your raw score for each section is simply the number of questions you answered correctly. There’s no penalty for wrong answers, so it’s always in your best interest to guess if you’re unsure.
• Scaling: The College Board uses a process called equating to ensure that scores are comparable across different test versions. This means that a raw score on one version of the test might translate to a slightly different scaled score on another version, depending on the test’s overall difficulty. This ensures fairness, as no student is advantaged or disadvantaged by taking a particular version of the test.

Predictive Value for the SAT®

People often refer to the PSAT® as a ‘preliminary’ SAT® for a reason. It mirrors the SAT® in content and structure, with slight differences in difficulty and length.

• Performance Indicator: Your PSAT® score can give you a ballpark estimate of how you might perform on the SAT®. For example, if you score highly on the PSAT®, it’s a good indicator that you’re on track to achieve a strong SAT® score.
• Targeted Preparation: The detailed score report from the PSAT® can highlight areas where you excelled and where you might need improvement. This can guide your SAT® preparation, allowing you to focus on specific areas and skills.
• National Merit Scholarship Qualification (PSAT®/NMSQT® only): For U.S. high school juniors, a high score on the PSAT®/NMSQT® can qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which can lead to college scholarships.

What is a good PSAT® score? Decent score? Bad score?

The concept of a “good” PSAT®/NMSQT® score can vary based on individual goals and aspirations. For instance, students aiming for National Merit Scholarship recognition might have a different target score than someone using the PSAT® simply as a diagnostic tool for SAT® preparation.

Good PSAT®/NMSQT® Score: A good PSAT®/NMSQT® score is typically one that places you in the top 30% of high school students. Analyzing recent PSAT® score trends, the nationally representative sample average PSAT® score is around 1030. The 70th percentile PSAT® test taker scores approximately 970.

The first number gives an insight into how students performed on the PSAT® compared to a broad sample of all students in grades 10-11, irrespective of whether they took the PSAT®. The second number reflects the actual scores of students from recent years.

Decent PSAT®/NMSQT® Score: A decent score on the PSAT®/NMSQT® would likely hover around the 50th percentile. Based on the nationally representative sample, this would translate to a score of about 860. When considering only PSAT® test takers, the 50th percentile score would be in the range of 900-910.

Bad PSAT®/NMSQT® Score: The term “bad” is subjective and can vary based on individual goals. However, from a percentile perspective, any score below the 25th percentile might be considered on the lower end. Using the nationally representative sample as a reference, this would be a score between 790 and 800. For students who have specifically taken the PSAT®, this would be approximately 830.

What is a good PSAT® score for a sophomore?

Sophomores, or 10th graders, often take the PSAT® as a way to familiarize themselves with the format and content of the SAT®. Since they’re typically a year away from the more critical junior year PSAT®/NMSQT®, which can qualify them for National Merit Scholarships, the sophomore PSAT® serves more as a diagnostic tool.

Factors to Consider:

• Grade Level: Sophomores haven’t covered all the material that might appear on the PSAT®, especially in math. Therefore, their scores might be slightly lower than those of juniors.
• Experience: For many sophomores, this might be their first exposure to a standardized test of this nature. Familiarity with the test format can significantly influence scores.

Benchmarking a Good Score:

• National Average: Historically, the average PSAT® score for sophomores hovers around 920-930.
• Top Performers: A score above 1000 is considered strong for a sophomore and indicates that the student is on track to perform well in their junior year, with continued preparation.
• Room for Growth: Scores below 900 shouldn’t be discouraging. Remember, there’s a whole year to prepare, practice, and improve before the junior year PSAT®/NMSQT®.

To gauge where your sophomore score stands in relation to potential junior year performance, use our PSAT® score calculator. It offers insights into areas of strength and improvement, helping you set clear goals for the upcoming year.

What is the National Merit Scholarship?

The National Merit Scholarship Program is a prestigious academic competition for recognition and scholarships in the United States. Established in 1955, it aims to identify and honor the nation’s top high school students based on their performance on the PSAT®/NMSQT®.

Key Aspects of the Program:

• Qualification: Students in their junior year take the PSAT®/NMSQT®, which serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT®). High scorers may be notified through their schools that they have qualified as either Commended Students or Semifinalists.
• Score Requirements:
  • Commended Students: Historically, scores needed for this level of recognition have been around the 209-212 range (out of 228), but this can vary slightly each year.
  • Semifinalists: The score required to achieve Semifinalist status varies by state. For example, in more competitive states like California or Massachusetts, the cutoff might be around 220 or higher. In other states, it might be closer to 210. These numbers can fluctuate annually based on the performance of test-takers in each state.
• Levels of Recognition and Further Requirements: After achieving Semifinalist status, students can advance to the Finalist level by meeting additional criteria, which include a strong academic record, an outstanding SAT® score, and a personal essay.
• Types of Scholarships:
  • National Merit $2,500 Scholarships: Single-payment scholarships awarded on a state-representational basis.
  • Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarships: Provided by corporate sponsors for specific criteria.
  • College-sponsored Merit Scholarships: Offered by colleges and universities for finalists attending the sponsor institution.
• Duration and Value: Most scholarships are one-time payments, but some are renewable based on college performance.

What PSAT® score is a National Merit?

The National Merit Scholarship Program is a prestigious academic competition that recognizes high school students based on their PSAT®/NMSQT® scores. A crucial component of this recognition is the Selection Index score.

National Merit Score Calculation

• Selection Index: The Selection Index score is reported on a scale ranging from 48 to 228. To calculate the Selection Index score:
  • Double the Reading and Writing section score.
  • Add the Math section score to the doubled Reading and Writing score.
  • Divide the sum by 10.
• Example: If a student scores 620 on Reading and Writing and 500 on Math, their Selection Index would be calculated as follows: (2 x 620) + 500 = 1740. 1740 ÷ 10 = 174. Thus, the Selection Index score is 174.

Score Requirements for National Merit Consideration

• Commended Students: Historically, the Selection Index required for Commended Student recognition has been around the 209-212 range, but this can vary slightly each year.
• Semifinalists: The Selection Index required for Semifinalist status varies by state and can fluctuate annually. In competitive states, the cutoff might be in the high 210s or even reach 228. In other states, the cutoff might be in the lower 210s or even the 200s.

Factors Influencing the Cutoffs

• Test Difficulty: The relative difficulty of the PSAT®/NMSQT in a given year can influence the Selection Index cutoffs.
• State Performance: Each state’s cutoff is determined by the top 1% of its scorers. States with more top-performing students will naturally have higher cutoffs.
• Annual Variations: The number of test-takers and their overall performance can cause slight variations in the cutoffs from year to year.

A Note on Our PSAT® Score Calculator.

We’ve designed our PSAT® score calculator with precision and care, but it’s essential to understand that it only provides estimates. The actual scores can vary based on several factors, including the specific test version and the scaling process.

The calculator is a valuable tool for getting a general sense of your performance and areas of improvement. However, it should not be the sole source for definitive predictions or major decisions. Always refer to your official score report from the College Board for the most accurate representation of your performance.

Remember, standardized tests are just one aspect of your academic profile. While they provide valuable insights, they don’t define your entire academic journey. Use our calculator as a guide, but always consider the broader context of your educational goals and achievements.

Looking for extra PSAT® practice?

Albert provides hundreds of PSAT® practice questions with detailed explanations and full-length practice tests.

After completing the practice, use our digital PSAT® score calculator to get an estimate of your performance and understand where you stand.