If you have taken the PSAT recently or you are planning to write the exam, you must be curious about the average PSAT scores.
The PSAT gives you a solid idea of how you might perform on the SAT, and it is a great way to understand your strengths and areas to work on. No worries, I am here to guide you with every important thing you need to know.
In this guide, I will help you understand, ‘What is a good PSAT score in 2025?’ and how you can improve your next test score. Let’s see what makes a PSAT score truly stand out.
What is the PSAT?
The PSAT, short for Preliminary SAT, is a practice test that helps high school students prepare for the actual SAT. It can be taken in 10th or 11th grade, though some schools also offer earlier versions, like the PSAT 9/9 or PSAT 10.
While colleges don’t require it, many high schools encourage or even mandate students to take it. The test covers reading, writing, and math and is scored between 320 and 1520.
One big reason students take the PSAT is to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. If your PSAT NMSQT score is in the top 1% in 11th grade, you could become a semifinalist and compete for a scholarship worth up to $2,500.
In short, the PSAT is both a warm-up for the SAT and a chance to earn scholarships. It is a smart step for any student aiming for college. Moving on, let’s understand—what’s a good PSAT score?
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What is a Good PSAT Score?
What is the average PSAT score? What is a good PSAT score for a sophomore? I will try to answer all your queries in this section.
A ‘good’ score depends on what you are aiming for. In general, scoring above the 75th percentile means you did better than most students. Here’s a quick breakdown of good PSAT scores:
- Average score: Around 920
- Top 25%: Above 1060
- Top 10%: Between 1210 and 1520
- Perfect Score: 1520
Since the PSAT scale mirrors the SAT (just 80 points lower), a 1300 on the PSAT roughly equals a 1300 on the SAT. A perfect PSAT score suggests strong potential for a top SAT score, but it is not guaranteed.
A helpful way to judge your score is to compare it with the SAT scores required by the college you are interested in. If your PSAT NMSQT scores meet or beat those benchmarks, you are in a great spot.
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Understanding the PSAT Scoring
First, you earn a raw score based on how many questions you get right. There is no penalty for wrong answers. Then, your raw score is converted to a test score (on a scale of 8-38) to adjust for differences in test difficulty.
Next, these are converted into section scores:
- Math 160-760
- Reading & Writing 9 (combined as Evidence-Based Reading and Writing): 160-760
Together, these 2 sections make up your total PSAT score, with a maximum of 1520. You will also get subscores (rated from 1 to 15) showing how you did in key skill areas like vocabulary and grammar, reading comprehension, algebra, data analysis, and advanced math.
Finally, keep in mind that while the SAT is scored from 400 to 1600, the PSAT uses a slightly lower scale because it is designed to be a bit easier.
When and Where to Find Your PSAT Scores?
When will PSAT scores come out? This is another major question, asked by several students. You will usually get your scores 4 to 8 weeks after taking the test, depending on when and where you took it. For most students, scores are released between late October and mid-November.
To check your scores, you can log in to your College Board account using your access code. If you don’t have it, your school or counselor can help. Some schools also hand out printed score reports.
Furthermore, PSAT scores are not available to colleges, but if you qualify for the National Merit Scholarship, your results might be shared publicly.
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Pro Tips to Improve Your Next PSAT Score
Now that you know what a good score on the PSAT is, it is important to prepare well to achieve those numbers. In my opinion, if you are writing a PSAT, don’t just settle for an average score; aim higher so you are prepared better for the SAT.
Here are some simple and effective tips to level up your preparations:
- Make sure you are clear on the key concepts in math, reading, and writing. Read regularly (especially editorials and articles) to build your vocabulary and improve comprehension.
- Take full-length practice tests with a timer to get used to the actual test environment. Go over your mistakes and look for patterns in where you are going wrong, and work on those areas.
- Start with questions you find easier and come back to the tricky ones. Eliminate wrong answers to improve your chances if you need to guess.
- If you are stuck in certain areas, a tutor or prep course can help. You can also utilize free educational courses on Courselinkfree.us and other platforms. Also, try to set a score goal that pushes you but still feels doable.
- Sleep well the night before the test and eat a light breakfast to stay sharp. Plus, if you are taking the digital PSAT, get comfortable with the new format ahead of time.
Bottom line is that you need to stay consistent, be strategic, and take care of your mind and body. These small steps can add up to achieving good PSAT scores.
Final Words
So, it is simple to know what a good PSAT score is in 2025 — one that gets you ready for the SAT. If it also puts you in the running for a National Merit Scholarship, that’s a major win.
I have tried to explain how you can improve your scores by following simple tips. Use your time wisely, understand the PSAT format, and try to practice smartly. That is all you need to head toward a strong score.
Share this guide with your friends to help them start their journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans: Above 1060 is generally considered to be a good PSAT score for a student in 10th grade.
Ans: It is a decent score; however, it will also depend on the colleges you are interested in.
Ans: It may vary in different states, a Selection Index score of 221 is normally enough for qualification. However, some states may require higher scores.
Ans: Anything higher than a composite score of 1130 can be considered a good score for a junior.
Ans: A score between 1420 and 1520 for a 10th-grade student and a score between 1490 and 1520 for a student in 11th grade.
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