Decoding Your 2024 PSAT and PSAT 10 Scores
Understanding PSAT and PSAT 10 scores helps juniors and sophomores gauge SAT readiness, consider ACT options, and plan effective prep.
2024 PSAT and PSAT 10 scores are out, and many students and parents are looking for guidance on how to interpret these scores. As a high school junior or sophomore (or the parent of one), you’re likely wondering what these scores mean for the future, whether they’re indicators for SAT or ACT success, and how they might even open doors to scholarships or honors.
While the College Board (maker of PSAT and SAT) publishes its own “Understanding Scores” pamphlet, like most things they produce it takes a PhD in psychometrics to grasp. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about your PSAT or PSAT 10 scores in layman’s terms, from understanding their significance to using them to build a strong test prep strategy for the SAT.
Decoding Your PSAT or PSAT 10 Score Report
The PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 serve as valuable milestones in the journey to college admissions. For juniors, the PSAT/NMSQT holds the added distinction of determining eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program. For sophomores, the PSAT 10 provides an early look at where you stand in relation to future college admissions testing.
Here are the key elements of your PSAT or PSAT 10 score report to focus on:
Total Score and Section Scores: Your total score is a combination of two section scores: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math. This score provides a broad snapshot of your performance and can range from 320 to 1520.
Percentiles: Percentiles show how your score compares to those of other students in your grade level. For instance, if your score falls in the 70th percentile, you’ve scored higher than 70% of test-takers in your grade.
Score Ranges: The PSAT and PSAT 10 report score ranges to account for slight variations in performance if you were to take the test multiple times. This range provides context for interpreting your scores more flexibly.
Subscores and Cross-Test Scores: These scores delve into specific skill areas such as Command of Evidence, Words in Context, Problem Solving, and Analysis in History/Social Studies. Reviewing your subscores and cross-test scores can help identify specific strengths and areas for growth, giving you clear direction on where to focus your study efforts for the SAT.
National Merit: An Opportunity for Juniors
For juniors, the PSAT/NMSQT is more than just a practice test for the SAT – it’s also the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Scoring in the top percentiles could lead to commendation or even a National Merit Scholarship, a prestigious award that can greatly enhance college applications and open doors to additional scholarships.
To qualify for National Merit recognition, your Selection Index score (a sum of your Math and RW section scores) needs to meet or exceed the cutoff for your state. For students in Oregon and Washington, cutoffs typically rank among the highest in the nation, reflecting the competitive scores in these states. In recent years, Oregon’s National Merit cutoff has hovered around 216-217, while Washington’s has ranged from 220-222. These cutoffs can vary slightly each year, so juniors aiming for National Merit should strive to exceed these benchmarks to increase their chances.
Understanding where your score falls relative to these state-specific cutoffs is essential. If you’re close to or above your state’s threshold, you may be eligible for this esteemed recognition, which could provide valuable opportunities throughout the college admissions process.
Connecting PSAT and PSAT 10 Scores to the SAT
One common question is how closely PSAT or PSAT 10 scores align with SAT performance. The PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 are designed as preliminary versions of the SAT, with a similar format and content, but a slightly lower maximum score (1520 for the PSAT vs. 1600 for the SAT). Generally, your PSAT or PSAT 10 scores offer a fairly accurate preview of how you might perform on the SAT, provided that your academic progress remains steady and you dedicate time to test preparation.
For juniors with high PSAT scores, these results can signal a strong starting point, indicating that with targeted practice, you may achieve top SAT scores. Conversely, if your PSAT score is below your target range, don’t worry—there’s ample time to improve before taking the SAT.
Should You Consider the ACT Instead?
While the PSAT and SAT are designed by the College Board and share similar formats, the ACT—created by a different organization—has a unique structure and approach. Comparing your PSAT scores to SAT benchmarks is one way to gauge potential SAT performance, but it’s also wise to consider whether the ACT might be a better fit.
Certain performance patterns on the PSAT can indicate a possible advantage on the ACT. For example:
Strength in Science: The ACT includes a Science section, which is largely focused on interpreting data and scientific reasoning. If you enjoy or excel in science, the ACT might align well with your strengths.
Speed and Endurance: The ACT is known for its fast pace and tightly timed sections. If you find that you excel in quick, efficient processing of questions, the ACT’s format may play to your strengths.
Subscore Imbalances: Significant score differences between Math and EBRW on the PSAT could indicate that you might prefer the ACT format, as it tends to favor students with a more balanced skill set across all subject areas. Use the official SAT-ACT Concordance to understand how your scores equate.
For a more definitive answer, we recommend taking an ACT practice test to see how you fare compared to your PSAT scores. Our tutors can guide you through a diagnostic test to help you choose the best-fit test.
Why Preparing for the SAT with an Expert Tutor is Essential
With your PSAT or PSAT 10 scores in hand, the next step is crafting a targeted preparation plan. Whether you’re confident in your abilities or looking to improve, structured test prep can elevate your scores and boost your confidence. Here are some of the best ways to prepare for the SAT—and how our team at North Avenue Education can help.
SAT Small Group Classes: Our SAT Small Group classes are perfect for students who thrive in collaborative environments. These classes cover the essentials of SAT content and strategy, with a curriculum designed to address the most common challenges students face. Led by experienced tutors, our small groups provide personalized attention and tailored instruction.
1:1 Tutoring Programs for Personalized Guidance: For students looking for customized support, our 1:1 tutoring programs offer individualized test prep. Working one-on-one with a tutor allows us to address specific strengths and weaknesses, helping students set achievable goals and build a strong foundation in key areas. Our tutors understand the intricacies of both the SAT and ACT, and they bring a wealth of knowledge to each session.
Practice Under Realistic Conditions: Beyond structured lessons, students benefit from practicing under conditions that mirror test day. North Avenue Education provides proctored practice tests that simulate the SAT environment, helping students build stamina and focus. By taking these practice exams, students can experience test day pressures and refine their pacing and time management skills.
Score Review and Strategy Adjustments: After each practice test, our tutors work with students to analyze their performance, focusing on missed questions and reviewing content that may require further study. We help students make adjustments to their approach, honing strategies for each section to ensure steady improvement over time.
Final Thoughts: Using Your PSAT Scores as a Launchpad to Success
Your PSAT or PSAT 10 scores offer a valuable snapshot of where you stand and provide a roadmap for future test prep efforts. For juniors, this is a critical time to focus on potential scholarships and finalize a test prep strategy; for sophomores, these scores represent a stepping stone and an opportunity to set realistic goals for the future.
At North Avenue, we understand the nuances of the PSAT, SAT, and ACT – and we’re committed to helping students reach their potential, even if their initial scores are disappointing. Whether through Small Group classes, 1:1 tutoring, or diagnostic testing, our experienced tutors and robust Client Support team are here to guide you on your path to college admissions success.
Curious about next steps? Book a consultation today and let’s discuss how we can help you or your student excel.
About the Author
