Do Colleges Look at Your PSAT Scores?
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Colleges don't use PSAT scores for admissions decisions because the purpose of the test is to help you practice for the SAT. Instead, they consider other factors, including your SAT or ACT score, your GPA, and the rigor of the courses you've taken. This begs the question — do colleges look at PSAT scores for any other purpose? The short answer is no. While schools can see a list of which students have taken the PSAT, they don't have access to your scores.
However, this doesn't mean the test is unimportant. While it may not determine whether you get into your preferred college, your PSAT score can help you understand and improve your SAT performance, and it's necessary if you want to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.
Where PSAT Scores Do Matter
In high school, you can take two versions of the PSAT: the PSAT 10 and the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). These exams won't affect your college acceptance, but they serve other important purposes.
SAT Preparation Use
Taking the PSAT is an important part of your SAT prep. Before you begin studying, you can review your score sheet to get a better understanding of your strengths and what areas you need to improve.
The PSAT is identical to the SAT in length, subsections, and number of questions. It also has a similar level of difficulty, so your score gives you an approximate idea of what you would get on the SAT if you were to take it today.
In addition to predicting your overall score, the PSAT also gives you subscores and skill insights, which you can use to develop a study plan when you start prepping for the SAT. For instance, if you struggle with certain parts of the math section, you can focus on those concepts and do practice problems to improve.
When to take the PSAT is another key decision for your SAT prep. If you take the PSAT 10 as a sophomore in high school, you have a long time to prepare before registering to take the SAT or ACT during the spring of your junior year. The 10th-grade PSAT helps you see where you're scoring so you can dig deeper into any weak points before taking the NMSQT in your junior year.
National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
In 11th grade, you can take a different type of PSAT — the NMSQT. This test not only helps you practice for the SAT but is also a requirement if you want to qualify for a National Merit Scholarship. Students with the highest PSAT NMSQT scores in their state enter the program's recognition tiers:
- Commended students with high PSAT scores who won't receive scholarships
- Semifinalists with high scores who are eligible for scholarship consideration
- Finalists who meet academic requirements after submitting an application
- Scholars who win a National Merit Scholarship
The scholarship committee determines who becomes a commended student or semifinalist by comparing PSAT scores. However, instead of using the raw score from your exam, they convert it using a Selection Index. This number is exclusive to the scholarship evaluation process, and colleges don't receive it or your regular PSAT scores.
What PSAT Score Should You Aim For?
Working toward a certain PSAT score is a good strategy, but your goal depends on what you want to accomplish. You may also want to adjust your target score between taking the PSAT 10 and NMSQT.
Average PSAT NMSQT Scores
Many students want to get a high enough PSAT score to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship, but the exact score you need depends on your location. The minimum qualifying score differs by state and can change from one year to the next. The cutoff score for semifinalists is also often different from the required score for commended status, which is the same across all states.
The scholarship committee converts your PSAT score using the Selection Index. They make this calculation by doubling your Reading and Writing score and adding it to your Math score. They then divide the result by 10 to get a number between 48 and 228. The higher your number, the more likely you'll be in the top 1% of test-takers in your state.
Setting an SAT Target
You may not know the specific score you'll need for the National Merit Scholarship program, but you can still set a target to help with your SAT prep. A PSAT score of 1420 might be in the top 1% in one state, but not another. Rather than focusing on the average score and how you can reach it, think about your college plans and what test score you'll need for admission.
Start by setting a target SAT score aligned with the list of schools you most want to attend. For example, if you plan to apply to competitive colleges where the average SAT score is 1450, you might set a target of 1450 or 1500. When preparing for the PSAT, you should aim to reach around that score.
Keep in mind that the PSAT score range is slightly lower than the SAT. You can receive a score between 320 and 1520 on the PSAT, compared to 400 and 1600 on the SAT, and some students find the PSAT slightly easier. The difference between the PSAT and SAT in scoring and difficulty means your PSAT score isn't an exact prediction of your future SAT performance.
Secure Your Academic Future with College Prep Tutoring
The PSAT is a critical step in your journey to college, even if colleges don't look at PSAT scores. The score you receive could make you eligible for a National Merit Scholarship and guide your study plan for the SAT, but don't let stress or test anxiety overwhelm you. Review your PSAT score report to tailor your SAT preparation to your specific challenges, so you make the best use of your time and avoid reviewing material you already understand.
An SAT tutor can help you interpret your PSAT scores, pinpoint the SAT topics you need to work on, and practice test-taking strategies. At Alexander Tutoring, we provide personalized test prep services and study plans so you feel fully prepared when the time comes to take your exam. Contact us for a free consultation and to learn more about the part the PSAT and SAT will play in your college acceptance.
