What is a Good PSAT Score for 2024?
In the realm of college admissions, standardized tests like the PSAT often hold the key to unlocking doors to higher education. But what exactly constitutes a good PSAT score, and how does it impact your chances of getting into your dream college?
A “good” PSAT score is not just about a number; it’s about understanding your strengths, identifying your weaknesses, and positioning yourself competitively in the vast landscape of college applicants. This blog will equip you with the knowledge to assess your PSAT score in context and make informed decisions about your academic journey.
What is the PSAT?
The PSAT, or preliminary SAT, is a standardized test designed to help high school sophomores and juniors prepare for the SAT exam, the big test that colleges use to assess your academic skills. It’s like a practice run for the real thing, allowing you to get a feel for the format, content, and timing of the actual SAT. The PSAT can also gauge your aptitude for other national tests and inform which areas you’ll need to focus your studying on. So, if you’re a math whiz but struggle with grammar, you’ll know where to direct your study efforts.
What is the PSAT Score Range?
The PSAT score range is 320 to 1520. It has two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math. Each section is scored on a scale of 160 to 760. Your overall PSAT score is calculated by adding the scores of the two sections.
When to Expect PSAT Scores
Students will receive 2024 October scores in three releases: on October 24, November 7, and November 14, 2024. Which release you’ll fall in depends on what day you tested and when your answers were submitted.
PSAT Score Percentile: Where Do You Stand?
Your PSAT score report isn’t just a number; it’s a way to see how you did compared to other test-takers. Percentiles tell you what percentage of students scored higher or lower than you. The higher the percentile, the more students you’ve surpassed. For example, if you’re in the 75th percentile, that means you beat out 75% of the competition!
A “good” PSAT score depends on what you’re aiming for, but scoring in the 75th percentile or higher is generally considered impressive. Scoring above the 50th percentile means you’ve done better than the majority of your peers. The PSAT scores needed to reach certain percentiles change from year to year, but in 2020–21, an overall score of around 1150, with individual section scores of around 590 for EBRW and 570 for Math, would put you in the top 25% of test-takers.
The table below shows how scores correspond to their percentiles.
| Percentile | EBRW Score | Math Score | Total PSAT Score |
| 99+ | 750–760 | 760 | 1490–1520 |
| 99 | 730–740 | 750 | 1460–1480 |
| 95 | 690 | 690–700 | 1360–1370 |
| 90 | 650–660 | 640 | 1280 |
| 85 | 630 | 610 | 1230 |
| 80 | 610 | 580–590 | 1190 |
| 75 (good) | 590 | 570 | 1150 |
| 50 (median) | 510 | 490 | 1000–1010 |
PSAT Score and College Readiness Benchmarks
The College Board, which runs the PSAT and SAT, sets college readiness benchmarks for each part of the PSAT. These goals are included in your PSAT score report, so you can see how your scores compare to those of other test-takers. They also help you assess your college readiness and potential SAT score.
According to the College Board, “The SAT benchmark scores represent a 75% likelihood of a student achieving at least a C grade in a first-semester, credit-bearing college course in a related subject.” and further adds, “For 11th graders, the benchmarks are 460 for EBRW and 510 for Math. Meeting these benchmarks suggests you are on track to succeed in college-level coursework.”
Your performance/benchmark is represented by a color-coding system: green, yellow, and red. Green indicates that you’ve met or exceeded the benchmark, yellow means you’re close to meeting the benchmark and are likely to improve within a year, and red signifies that significant growth is needed to reach the benchmark. To hit the green benchmarks, you need to score at least 510 in Math and 460 in EBRW.
This table provides a summary of PSAT score ranges, colors, and their corresponding statuses.
| Color | EBRW | Math | Total |
| Red | 160–420 | 160–470 | 320–890 |
| Yellow | 430–450 | 480–500 | 910–950 |
| Green | 460–760 | 510–760 | 970–1520 |
What Is a Good PSAT for the National Merit Scholarship Program?
Scoring in the top 1% of PSAT test-takers makes you eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program, a prestigious scholarship competition. The exact qualifying score varies by state, but it typically falls between 200 and 228 on the selection index, a calculation based on the PSAT scores. This means you’ll need, at minimum, a 35 test score on each of the three sections to be eligible for National Merit consideration.
The selection index is a calculation based on your PSAT scores. To calculate your selection index, add together your Math, Reading, and Writing test scores (not your scaled scores). These scores are on a scale of 8–38. Then, multiply the sum by two. The Selection Index has a total score range of 48–228.
If you qualify as a semifinalist, you will be notified by NMSC in the fall of your junior year. As a semifinalist, you will be invited to complete the National Merit Scholarship Application. This application includes an essay, letters of recommendation, and your high school transcript.
The NMSC eventually selects a small number of finalists from the pool of semifinalists. In recent years, about 15,000 semi-finalists have been named, and less than 8,000 have received scholarships.
Read More: What is Considered a Good PSAT Score for a Sophomore?
From the Desk of Yocket
While your PSAT scores may serve as a useful gauge of your readiness for the SAT and college-level courses, they don’t directly impact your college admissions chances. Colleges typically don’t receive or consider your PSAT results when making their decisions. The PSAT’s primary purpose is to provide a practice run for the SAT, allowing you to identify areas where you might need improvement.
However, there are a couple of exceptions to this rule. If you score in the top 1% of PSAT test-takers, you’ll become a National Merit semifinalist. This is a prestigious recognition that can boost your college applications. You should definitely include your semifinalist status in your applications.
Additionally, if you score in the top 3–4% of PSAT test-takers, you’ll be named a commended student. While not as prestigious as being a semifinalist, being commended is still an achievement that can make you a more competitive applicant. You may want to include your commended status in your applications, but it’s not as essential as semifinalist status.
In general, though, colleges will be more interested in your SAT or ACT scores than your PSAT scores. So, don’t stress too much about your PSAT results. Just focus on doing your best on the PSAT, and then move on to preparing for the ACT or SAT Exam. If you need assistance along the way, don’t hesitate to take help from Yocket for valuable guidance and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the National Merit Scholarship Program?
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a scholarship program that awards scholarships to high-scoring PSAT/NMSQT test-takers.
2. How much does the PSAT cost?
The PSAT costs $18 for students who register by the deadline. There is a late fee for students who register after the deadline.
3. What is the PSAT scoring range?
The PSAT is scored in a range of 320–1520.