The PSAT/NMSQT – SAT Suite (2024)

FAQs

Is the PSAT NMSQT harder than the SAT? ›

The PSAT is a practice SAT, usually taken by juniors, whereas the SAT is a college entrance exam. The SAT is slightly more challenging than the PSAT. While the PSAT is scored between 320 and 1520, the SAT is scored between 400 and 1600. It may cost up to $18 to take the PSAT, whereas the fee for taking the SAT is $55.

The PSAT/NMSQT takes 2 hours and 14 minutes and consists of 2 sections: (1) the Reading and Writing Section, and (2) the Math Section.

A 950 score would be around the 37th percentile for juniors, meaning you scored higher than about 37% of test-takers. If you're happy with this performance, that's perfectly fine. However, if you're aiming for a higher score, then consider focusing on improving your skills before taking the SAT.

The average PSAT/NMSQT score is about 920. A score between 1210 and 1520 puts you in the top 10% of test takers. The PSAT/NMSQT and the SAT are very similar tests, so your score on the PSAT/NMSQT can give you an idea of how you'll do when you take the SAT.

An 1100 SAT score is about average, as the national median score hovers around 1050-1060. However, whether it's "good" or "bad" really depends on the colleges you're targeting. If you're aiming for more competitive schools, then you should definitely consider retaking the SAT to boost your score.

The average composite SAT score is 1059, and the highest possible score is 1600, putting 1300 above average and competitive. A 1300 SAT score allows you to apply competitively to a large number of schools, making it an objectively good score for most students.

A good PSAT score is between 1210 and 1520, which would put you in the top 10% of test takers. The average score earned on the PSAT is about 920, and a “perfect” score on the PSAT would be the maximum score of 1520.

The PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 are identical. 11th graders (and some 10th graders) take the PSAT/NMSQT in October. The PSAT 10 is given to 10th graders in the spring. Only the PSAT/NMSQT qualifies students to enter the National Merit ^® Scholarship Competition.

PSAT 10, and PSAT/NMSQT don't directly affect college admissions decisions, these exams can make a big impact on your college prospects. Here's what you need to know.

A perfect score on the PSAT is a 1520. If you're in 10th grade and you score between 1420 and 1520, you're in the top 1% of all test takers (99th percentile). If you're in 11th grade, anything between a 1490 and 1520 places you in the top 1%.

Is 750 on PSAT bad? ›

As you probably noticed, the score ranges for the 99th percentiles for Reading and Writing and for Math are not the same. For R&W, a score as low as 730 guarantees you a spot in the 99th percentile. For Math, on the other hand, you must score at least 750—a near-perfect score!

Below Average PSAT Scores: 320-910.

A 990 SAT score may be competitive for some colleges, but it may not be a strong score for more selective schools. It's important to consider the median SAT scores of the colleges you're interested in applying to.

For juniors, 75th percentile scores are around 560 to 590 in each section, or about 1150 in total. An "OK" PSAT score is one higher than the 50th percentile, which means you scored the same as or higher than half of all other test takers.

The average PSAT 10 score is around 920. A score between 1210 and 1520 places you in the top 10% of test takers. The PSAT 10 and the SAT are very similar tests, and your score on the PSAT 10 can give you an idea of how you'll do when you take the SAT.

A strong PSAT score is likely to portend an equally strong (or stronger) SAT score. High SAT scores can, in turn, help you get scholarships and grants for college. Studying for these standardized tests is one of the few ways that students can positively affect their financial aid packages.

Colleges Don't Receive Scores

College Board does not send PSAT/NMSQT scores to colleges. These scores are not intended to be part of college admission decisions.

The PSAT 8/9 is lowered by 80 points, resulting in a total score of 240 to 1440, or 120 to 720 for each component. It has been reduced to compensate for the fact that it is a significantly simpler test than the PSAT/NMSQT.