What is Considered a Good PSAT Score for a Sophomore?

As a high school sophomore, you’re probably starting to think about college admissions and standardized testing such as the PSAT. Now, what is a PSAT? The PSAT, or Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test, is a standardized test that assesses the math, reading, and writing skills of high school students. It serves as a practice run for the SAT exam, a crucial factor in college admissions.

While the PSAT doesn’t directly affect your college applications, it provides valuable feedback on your strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to tailor your study plan accordingly. Now, the burning question: what is a good PSAT score for a sophomore? And should you even take the PSAT as a sophomore?

Sophomore PSAT Score Percentile

A good PSAT score for a sophomore is higher than 1060, which places you in the 75th percentile or above. An average PSAT score is 920, while an excellent PSAT score is anything above 1180 for 10th graders. This means you scored better than 75% of all test-takers. Even a score in the 50th percentile, which is the median, indicates that you did better than half of the test-takers. The higher your score, the more impressive your performance.

For sophomores who took the PSAT in 2021, a total score of 1060 out of 1520 placed them in the 75th percentile. This suggests that a score of 1060 or higher is a good benchmark for sophomores aiming for the 75th percentile or above.

PSAT scores can often predict SAT scores. Use the PSAT as a practice run to identify areas where you need improvement. By working on these areas, you can increase your chances of achieving a higher SAT score.

Check out this table to see how sophomores typically score on the PSAT, both in Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing.

Math Score	Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score	Total Score Range	Percentile (10th Grade)
740–760	720–760	1430–1520	99+
710–730	700–710	1370–1420	99
620	650	1250–1260	95
580	610	1180	90
550–560	580–590	1130	85
530–540	560–570	1090–1100	80
520	540–550	1060	75 (good)
450–460	470	920	50 (median)

What Is a Good PSAT Score for a Sophomore?

The College Board, the organization that administers the PSAT and SAT, has set academic benchmarks that can help you predict how you’ll do in college. These goals are included in your PSAT score report, so you can see how your scores compare to those of other test-takers. Your performance/benchmark is represented by a color-coding system:

• If you score in the green range on the PSAT or SAT, you have a 75% chance of getting at least a C in a first-semester college course in that subject.
• If you score in the yellow range, you are within one year of academic growth of getting a C in a first-semester college course in that subject. 
• If you score in the red range, you will need more than a year of extra study to get a C in a first-semester college course in that subject.

An example of a PSAT score report card

If you are a high school sophomore, you should aim for a score of 430 or higher on the EBRW section of the PSAT or SAT and a score of 480 or higher on the Math section to reach the “good” benchmark.

Check out this table to see how your PSAT score compares to academic benchmarks.

Color	Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score	Math Score
Red	160–400	160–440
Yellow	410–420	450–470
Green	430–760	480–760

These benchmarks can help you set goals for yourself and track your progress as you prepare for college. If you are not sure where you stand, you can take practice tests and meet with a counselor to get more information.

Should I Take the PSAT or the PSAT/NMSQT?

Taking PSAT as a sophomore, you have two options: the PSAT 10 and the PSAT/NMSQT. The PSAT 10 is tailor-made for sophomores, while the PSAT/NMSQT might be a bit tougher.

Most students should aim to take the PSAT/NMSQT during their sophomore year. While you won’t be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship in 10th grade, it’s a great way to practice for the junior year when you can qualify for the scholarship and could be a good choice for you to gauge your current level.

If standardized testing is new to you, the PSAT 10 might be a better choice. It’s a gentle introduction to standardized testing, giving you a taste of the format and content and helping you get comfortable with the process before you dive into the more challenging PSAT/NMSQT. 

Can Sophomores Qualify for a National Merit Scholarship?

No, sophomores cannot directly qualify for a National Merit Scholarship. The National Merit Scholarship Program is only open to high school juniors. Sophomores can, however, take the PSAT/NMSQT to get an idea of their academic standing and prepare for the test when they are juniors. Their scores from the PSAT/NMSQT will not be considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program until they are juniors.

From the Desk of Yocket

A good PSAT score for a sophomore is one that accurately reflects your academic standing and places you in a competitive position for college admissions. While there is no single score that guarantees success, achieving a score above the 75th percentile is generally considered a good benchmark.

For the 2023 PSAT, the 75th percentile scores were 520–540 on each section, resulting in a total score of 1060. This means that a sophomore who scores 1060 or higher has outperformed 75% of their peers.

However, it’s important to consider your individual goals and aspirations when evaluating your PSAT score. If you aim for highly selective colleges, a score in the 90th percentile or higher (610 on EBRW and 580–590 on Math) will be more competitive.

Apart from percentiles, consider the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) cut-off score for your state, which is typically around 1470. Achieving this score as a sophomore will make you a National Merit Semifinalist, increasing your chances of qualifying for scholarships.

Remember, the PSAT is a practice test, and your score serves as a valuable indicator of your academic strengths and weaknesses. Use your PSAT results to identify areas for improvement and tailor your study plan accordingly.

In addition to studying, consider taking advantage of practice tests, online resources, and tutoring services, including those offered by Yocket, to enhance your preparation. Consistent effort and strategic studying will significantly improve your chances of achieving a good PSAT score and put you in a strong position for college admissions success.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the average PSAT score for a sophomore?

The average PSAT score for a sophomore is 920. This means that the average sophomore scores 460 in each section.

2. What is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT)?

The NMSQT is a version of the PSAT that is used to determine eligibility for National Merit Scholarships. To qualify for a National Merit Scholarship, you must score in the top 5% of PSAT takers in your state. For the 2023 NMSQT, the cutoff score for sophomores was 1470.

3. How many times can I take the PSAT test?

You can take the PSAT/NMSQT up to three times during high school. It is only offered once per year, but a student can take advantage of the test in the freshman, sophomore, and junior years if they choose to do so. However, the score will only count for scholarships during the junior year.

4. What is a bad PSAT score?

A bad PSAT score is generally considered to be below 920.