A "good" score, then, would probably be somewhere in the 75th percentile or higher. PSAT score percentiles change slightly each year depending on the testing class. For 2020-21 test-takers, the 75th percentile translates to a 590 EBRW score, a 570 Math score, and an 1150 total score.
For example, the average PSAT score by Harvard admitted students was between 1420 and 1520 (or 210-238 on the old scale). That's a high goal to aim for, to be sure.
For 10th grade students taking the test (either the PSAT 10 or the PSAT/NMSQT): 99th percentile and above (“outstanding”): 1360–1520. 90th percentile (“great”): 1180. 75th percentile (“solid”): 1060.
We can define a "good" PSAT score as one that's higher than the 75th percentile. This means you scored equal to or higher than 75% of all other test takers. For juniors, 75th percentile scores are around 560 to 590 in each section, or about 1150 in total.
Based on that reasoning, a good PSAT score for a sophomore is a composite score higher than 1060, an OK score is one higher than 920, and an excellent score is anything higher than 1180.
Colleges usually don't see your PSAT scores. In most cases, just you and your high school are able to see the report. These reports offer details on your performance in different areas and can help you determine which areas you need to improve and hone your practicing.
Each section of the PSAT is scored on a scale of 20 to 80; SAT sections are scored from 200 to 800. By adding a zero to your PSAT scores, you can estimate your SAT results. Unlike many tests, there is no passing or failing score on the PSAT / SAT. A “good” score depends on two factors: Your past performance.
222
Scores Needed for National Merit Scholarships
STATE | SELECTION INDEX SCORE |
---|---|
California | 222 |
Colorado | 220 |
Connecticut | 221 |
Delaware | 220 |
If your child is in 10th grade, they can benefit from taking the PSAT 10 in several ways. It identifies their academic strengths and weaknesses early in high school, when there's plenty of time to improve before college. It lets them know which Advanced Placement (AP) courses they're most likely to do well in.
The average PSAT score is around 920 (460 in Math and 460 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing), while an outstanding PSAT score (one that will qualify you as a National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist) is between 1420 and 1480.
What's a Good 2021 PSAT Score Based on Percentiles?
PSAT Percentile | Math Score | TOTAL Score |
---|---|---|
99th (Best) | 750 and above | 1460 and above |
90th (Excellent) | 640 | 1280 |
75th (Very Good) | 560-570 | 1150 |
50th (Good/Average) | 490 | 1000-1010 |
•
Oct 22, 2021
Most high school students take the PSAT in Grade 10 or 11, or sometimes twice, once in each grade. Overall, good PSAT scores are usually between 950 to 1060. A good PSAT math score is between 500-550, and a good reading and writing score is between 500-550.
A combined score of 900 is the 31st percentile, (students scored higher than 31% of the people but unfortunately, 69% of the students scored higher). On the other end of the spectrum, a score of 1220 is the 85th percentile (students scored higher than 85% of the people and only 15% of the students scored higher).
It's also important to note that within each percentile there are a range of scores; you can score a 1410 and be in the 99th percentile with students who scored a perfect 1520!
What Is a Good PSAT Score for a Junior? Like freshman and sophomore year, a good PSAT score junior year can be defined as a score at or above the 75th percentile. This equates to 570 on math and 590 on reading and writing, or 1150-1160 total, according to PrepScholar.
97
PSAT Total Scores to Percentiles
Total Score | Percentile |
---|---|
1410 | 97 |
1400 | 97 |
1390 | 96 |
1380 | 96 |
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Dec 19, 2021
For all versions of the PSAT, the College Board has established benchmarks. Students in the eighth grade taking the PSAT 8/9 should earn a 390 on the reading and writing section and a 430 on math. On the same test, students in the ninth grade should earn a 410 in reading and writing and a 450 in math.
The College Board has set college readiness benchmarks for each grade. If, as a 10th grader, you score at or above a 430 in the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section of the PSAT 10 and at or above a 480 in Math, you are on track to be college-ready by the time you graduate from high school.
Understanding PSAT Scoring
Score | What is it? |
---|---|
TOTAL SCORE | Sum of your two section scores Score range: 320–1520 |
READING & WRITING SCORE | 1 of 2 section scores Score range: 160—760 |
MATH SCORE | 1 of 2 section scores Score range: 160—760 |