A good PSAT score for National Merit is typically very high, often in the top 1% of test-takers nationwide. For the 2023 competition, commended students needed a Selection Index of 132, while Semifinalists required 145+. Aiming for scores above 1400 out of 1520 is a strong starting point for National Merit consideration.

Key Takeaways

Understand the PSAT/NMSQT scoring scale (160-1520).
Identify your target score for National Merit Semifinalist.
Analyze your practice test results to gauge your standing.
Focus on specific skill areas for score improvement.
Utilize official College Board resources for preparation.
Strategize your testing approach for optimal performance.

What Is A Good PSAT Score? Aiming for National Merit Success!

The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) can feel like a big hurdle. Many students wonder, “What is a good PSAT score?” It’s a common question, especially when you consider the potential for scholarships. This test isn’t just practice for the SAT or ACT; it’s also your gateway to prestigious programs like the National Merit Scholarship Program. Navigating its scoring and understanding what constitutes a “good” score can be confusing. But don’t worry, this guide will break it down step-by-step. We’ll explore the scoring system, what scores are considered excellent, and how you can work towards achieving your best results, especially if you have your sights set on National Merit recognition. Let’s dive into what a good PSAT score truly means.

Understanding PSAT Scoring

Before you can determine what a good PSAT score is, you need to understand how it’s calculated. The PSAT/NMSQT is scored on a scale from 320 to 1520. This total score is the sum of your scores in two sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math. Each of these sections is scored on a scale of 160 to 760.

Here’s a breakdown:

Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW): This score combines your Reading and Writing & Language test scores. Each is scored individually from 8 to 38, then multiplied by 10 to get the final EBRW score between 160 and 760.
Math: This score reflects your performance on the Math test, also scored from 8 to 38 and then multiplied by 10 for a total between 160 and 760.
Total Score: Your EBRW score and your Math score are added together to get your total score, ranging from 320 to 1520.

It’s also important to note that there are “Section Scores” and “Test Scores” reported.
Test Scores: These are your scores for individual sections like Reading, Writing & Language, and Math, reported on a scale of 8-38. These are important for understanding your strengths and weaknesses within each broad area.
Cross-Test Scores: These scores highlight your performance on specific content areas that span across different sections of the test. They include Analysis in History/Social Studies and Analysis in Science, reported on a scale of 8-38.
Subscores: These provide even more granular detail about your performance in specific skill areas, such as Command of Evidence or Passport to Advanced Math, also on a scale of 1-15.

Understanding these different scoring components helps you pinpoint exactly where you excel and where you need to focus your study efforts.

What Is A Good PSAT Score for National Merit?

The National Merit Scholarship Program is a highly competitive academic competition. To qualify for recognition, your PSAT/NMSQT score is crucial. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) uses a “Selection Index” (SI) to determine eligibility for different levels of recognition.

The Selection Index (SI) Explained

The SI is calculated by adding your scores for the Reading, Writing & Language, and Math tests (the 8-38 scale, not the 160-760 scale). So, if your Reading score is 30, your Writing & Language score is 32, and your Math score is 35, your Selection Index would be 30 + 32 + 35 = 97.

This SI is then used to determine who is recognized as a Commended Scholar, a Semifinalist, and ultimately, a Finalist.

National Merit Qualification Scores

The exact qualifying scores, known as “Cutoffs,” vary slightly each year and by state. This is because the NMSC determines the scores based on the performance of all test-takers in a given year. However, we can look at recent trends to understand what is generally considered a good PSAT score for National Merit.

Here’s a look at recent approximate cutoffs for the Selection Index (SI):

| Competition Year | Commended Scholar (Approx. SI) | Semifinalist (Approx. SI) |
| :————— | :—————————– | :———————— |
| 2023 | 132 | 145 |
| 2022 | 131 | 144 |
| 2021 | 124 | 139 |
| 2020 | 129 | 142 |

Important Note: These are approximate figures and can fluctuate. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official National Merit Scholarship Corporation website.

What Does This Mean for You?

Commended Scholar: If your SI is in the top 50,000 PSAT/NMSQT participants, you’ll be recognized as a Commended Scholar. This is a significant achievement and shows strong academic promise.
Semifinalist: To become a Semifinalist, you need to be in the top 16,000 participants nationwide. This requires a very high Selection Index. For the 2023 competition, this meant an SI of 145 or higher. This is the first step towards potentially earning a National Merit Scholarship.
Finalist: Semifinalists are invited to apply for Finalist standing. Finalists are then considered for National Merit Scholarships. The selection process for Finalists involves academic records, extracurricular activities, and an essay.

So, what is a good PSAT score for National Merit? To be considered a Semifinalist, you generally need a Selection Index in the mid-140s or higher. This translates to very high individual section scores. For example, an SI of 145 could be achieved with scores like:

Math: 48, EBRW: 48 (Total Score: 960) – Note: This is based on the 8-38 scale, not the 160-760 scale.
Math: 49, EBRW: 48 (Total Score: 970)
Math: 49, EBRW: 49 (Total Score: 980)

This demonstrates that even a score of 1400 on the 1520 scale might not be enough for Semifinalist status if the Selection Index is too low. It’s the combination of high scores across all three tested areas that matters most for National Merit qualification.

Defining “Good” Beyond National Merit

While National Merit is a significant benchmark, a “good” PSAT score is also relative to your individual goals and college aspirations.

General College Admissions

Most colleges do not require the PSAT for admission. However, a strong PSAT score can be a good indicator of your readiness for the SAT or ACT and, by extension, your potential for college success.

Average Scores: The national average PSAT/NMSQT total score typically hovers around 1000-1050.
Above Average: Scores from 1100-1200 are generally considered above average.
Excellent Scores: Scores above 1200 are excellent and can signal strong academic ability to colleges.

Using PSAT Scores for College Planning

Even if you’re not aiming for National Merit, your PSAT results provide valuable insights:

Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: The detailed score report helps you see which academic areas you excel in and which need more attention.
SAT/ACT Readiness: Your PSAT score is a strong predictor of your potential SAT or ACT score. This can help you gauge whether you need extensive preparation for those exams.
College Search: Some colleges use PSAT data to send targeted information to students who show academic promise in certain areas.

Pro Tip: Use the PSAT score report not just to see your total score, but to dive deep into the subscores and cross-test scores. This detailed breakdown is a goldmine for understanding your specific academic profile and planning your future studies effectively.

Strategies for Improving Your PSAT Score

Achieving a high PSAT score, especially one that qualifies for National Merit, requires strategic preparation. Here’s how you can boost your performance:

1. Understand the Test Structure and Content

Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the PSAT/NMSQT format. Know the types of questions asked in each section and the time constraints. The College Board, which administers the test, provides official resources that are invaluable.

Reading Test: Focuses on comprehension, analyzing texts, understanding vocabulary in context, and interpreting data from graphics.
Writing and Language Test: Assesses your ability to edit and revise passages for clarity, conciseness, expression of ideas, and standard English conventions.
Math Test: Covers algebra, problem-solving and data analysis, and advanced math concepts. Calculator and no-calculator sections exist.

2. Utilize Official Practice Resources

The College Board offers free, official practice tests and materials. These are the most accurate representation of the actual exam.

Official PSAT/NMSQT Practice Tests: Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the real exam experience.
Khan Academy: The College Board has partnered with Khan Academy to provide free, personalized SAT and PSAT practice. You can link your College Board account to Khan Academy to get tailored practice recommendations based on your PSAT scores. Visit Khan Academy PSAT Preparation.

3. Targeted Study Based on Your Score Report

Your PSAT score report is your roadmap to improvement.

Analyze Weak Areas: If your score report shows you struggled with specific question types or content areas (e.g., geometry, grammar rules, interpreting charts), dedicate more study time to those areas.
Review Mistakes: Don’t just look at your score; carefully review every question you got wrong or were unsure about. Understand why your answer was incorrect and what the correct reasoning is.

4. Build Foundational Skills

Reading Comprehension: Read widely and actively. Practice summarizing passages, identifying main ideas, and understanding author’s purpose. Pay attention to how authors use evidence.
Vocabulary: While the PSAT/NMSQT no longer tests vocabulary in isolation, a strong vocabulary is crucial for understanding passages and answer choices in the Reading and Writing sections. Learn new words in context.
Grammar and Punctuation: Review standard English grammar rules, sentence structure, and punctuation. This is key for the Writing and Language section.
Math Concepts: Solidify your understanding of core math principles, especially algebra and data analysis. Practice solving problems without relying solely on a calculator.

5. Practice Tests and Time Management

Timed Practice: Regularly take full-length practice tests under timed conditions. This helps you build stamina and learn to pace yourself.
Pacing Strategy: Develop a strategy for how much time you’ll spend on each question and section. Learn when to skip a difficult question and come back to it later.

6. Seek Additional Support

Study Groups: Collaborating with peers can be beneficial. Discussing challenging concepts can lead to new insights.
Tutors or Courses: If you’re struggling, consider working with a tutor or enrolling in a reputable test preparation course.

Understanding the PSAT/NMSQT Score Percentile

Beyond the raw score, understanding your percentile rank is crucial. Your percentile shows how your score compares to other students who took the PSAT/NMSQT.

National Percentile (NP): This compares your performance to that of all students nationwide who took the PSAT/NMSQT. A higher percentile means you scored better than a larger percentage of test-takers.
Selection Percentile (SP): This compares your performance to that of students in your grade level. This is important because National Merit Semifinalists are selected based on the scores of students in their junior year.

Example: If you have a National Percentile of 95, it means you scored as well as or better than 95% of all test-takers nationwide. For National Merit consideration, you’ll be looking at percentiles in the high 90s.

What is a Good PSAT Score Percentile?

To be competitive for National Merit Semifinalist status, you’ll generally need to be in the 97th percentile or higher. This indicates that your score is in the top 3% of all test-takers.

For Commended Scholar: Typically, scores falling in the 90th percentile or higher are recognized.
For Semifinalist: This requires a percentile in the high 90s, often 97th percentile or above, translating to a high Selection Index.
For Finalist: While Semifinalist status is based on the SI, Finalist selection considers your academic record and other factors, but a strong PSAT score is the essential first step.

National Merit Scholarship Program Details

The National Merit Scholarship Program is more than just a high PSAT score; it’s a comprehensive academic recognition program.

Levels of Recognition

1. Commended Students: These students score in the top 50,000 out of the approximately 1.5 million students who take the PSAT/NMSQT each year. They are recognized for their outstanding academic promise.
2. Semifinalists: The top 16,000 students (about 1% of all test-takers) qualify as Semifinalists. This is the most academically demanding stage of the competition.
3. Finalists: Semifinalists are invited to apply for Finalist standing by submitting a detailed application, which includes their academic record, extracurricular activities, an essay, and a recommendation from their high school principal. Approximately 15,000 students are named Finalists.
4. Scholarship Winners: From the pool of Finalists, about 7,500 students are awarded National Merit Scholarships. These scholarships can be awarded in three categories:
National Merit® $2,500 Scholarship: A one-time award.
Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships: These vary in amount and duration and are provided by companies that wish to support education.
College-Sponsored Scholarships: These are offered by colleges and universities to their Finalists, often covering tuition and fees.

Eligibility Requirements for National Merit

To enter the competition, you must:

Be enrolled full-time in high school and planning to enroll full-time in college the following academic year.
Be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. lawful permanent resident, or have plans to seek U.S. citizenship.
Take the PSAT/NMSQT during your junior year of high school.
* Meet program entry requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the highest possible PSAT score?

A1: The highest possible total PSAT score is 1520. This is achieved by scoring 760 in both the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section and the Math section.

Q2: Do colleges see my PSAT scores?

A2: Colleges typically do not see your PSAT scores unless you choose to send them. The PSAT/NMSQT is primarily used for National Merit Scholarship qualification and as a diagnostic tool for SAT/ACT preparation. However, your scores might be used by College Board to send you information from colleges that are interested in students with your academic profile.

Q3: Is the PSAT harder than the SAT?

A3: The PSAT/NMSQT is generally considered slightly easier than the SAT. It covers similar content but often at a slightly lower difficulty level, and it has fewer questions and a shorter testing time. However, the scoring scale is different, and National Merit cutoffs require a very high performance.

Q4: How many questions are on the PSAT?

A4: The PSAT/NMSQT has approximately 96 questions. The EBRW section has 42 questions, and the Math section has 54 questions.

Q5: Can I take the PSAT more than once?

A5: Yes, you can take the PSAT/NMSQT multiple times, but only the score from your junior year is used for National Merit Scholarship consideration. Scores from sophomore year can be useful for practice and identifying areas for improvement.

Q6: What if I don’t qualify for National Merit?

A6: Don’t worry! The PSAT is just one measure of your academic ability. Many other scholarships and opportunities exist. Focus on your GPA, other standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, extracurricular involvement, and strong college essays.

Q7: How do I find out my National Merit Selection Index score?

A7: Your Selection Index score is calculated from your PSAT/NMSQT test scores (Reading, Writing & Language, Math – each on the 8-38 scale). Your official score report will provide these scores, and you can add them up to find your SI. The College Board often highlights this calculation or provides tools to help you find it.

Conclusion

Understanding what constitutes a good PSAT score is the first step towards maximizing your potential. For those aspiring to the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program, a high Selection Index—often in the mid-140s or higher—is paramount, translating to percentiles in the top 3% nationwide. This level of achievement requires dedicated preparation, a deep understanding of the test’s structure, and strategic study focused on your individual strengths and weaknesses.

Remember, even if National Merit isn’t in the cards, a strong PSAT score is an excellent indicator of your academic readiness and a valuable tool for planning your college journey. Utilize official resources, practice consistently, and focus on building foundational skills. By approaching the PSAT/NMSQT with a clear strategy, you can confidently work towards achieving a score that opens doors to academic recognition and future opportunities. Your hard work and preparation will pave the way for success, both on this exam and beyond.