Are you a sophomore preparing to take the PSAT? In our guide, learn what constitutes a "good score" for 10th students taking the test.

To prepare for the SAT, many high school students take the PSAT/NMSQT, which stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Top junior test-takers may also be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which provides college scholarships to deserving children.

Clearly, a high PSAT score may open several avenues. Sophomores who take the exam will be able to utilize it as practice for the real thing the following year.

But what is a good PSAT score for a sophomore? And should you even take the PSAT as a sophomore?

What Is a Good PSAT Score for a Sophomore Based on Percentiles?

For both 10th and 11th grades, a good PSAT score is in the 75th percentile or higher. A score in the 50th percentile is close to the median, indicating that you performed better than half of all test participants. The more test-takers you outperform, the higher your score will be.

A cumulative score of 1060 (out of 1520) placed sophomores in the 75th percentile on the PSAT in 2021.

PSAT results can often predict SAT scores. You may utilize the PSAT as a learning experience, practicing on portions that you struggle with in order to improve your SAT score.
 

Source: College Board

What Are Good PSAT Scores for Sophomores Based on Academic Benchmarks?

The College Board, which administers the PSAT and SAT, provides academic criteria for test-takers to predict future college achievement. Students who score in the green range have a 75% likelihood of earning at least a "C" in the same topic in a first-semester college course.

Students who score in the yellow range are one year away from receiving a "C" grade. Students in the red are more than a year away from receiving a "C" in their first semester of college.

To be considered "good," high school sophomores should strive for a 430 in the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) part and a 480 in the Math component.
 

Source: College Board

What Will Be on Your PSAT Score Report?

Your PSAT score report will include both raw and scaled Math and EBRW scores. Subscores and cross-test scores will also be provided. In most circumstances, you'll receive your results eight weeks following the exam.

Section Scores

The first thing you'll see on your PSAT score report is your section scores for Math and EBRW. The sum of these values is your overall PSAT score out of 1520. Each part is graded from 160 to 760.

Test Results

The section scores you saw earlier in the report are based on test scores. Each part is graded from 8 to 38.

Cross-Test Results

You will notice two cross-test scores on your PSAT score report, each ranging from 8 to 38:

• History/Social Studies Analysis

• Science Analysis

These are not distinct portions of the PSAT; rather, questions from both cross-test scores appear on all sections of the PSAT.

Underscore

PSAT subscores, which range from 1 to 15, show how you did on particular types of skills throughout all portions of the test. The following are the seven subscores and the sections on which they appear:

• Evidence Command (Reading, Writing and Language)

• Contextual Words (Reading, Writing and Language)

• Expression of Thoughts (Writing and Language)

• Conventions of Standard English (Writing and Language)

• Algebra's Heart (Math)

• Data Analysis and Problem Solving (Math)

• Advanced Math Passport (Math)

Scores on the Selection Index

The Selection Index only applies to juniors. The Selection Index is used by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation to decide which test takers are eligible for National Merit Scholarships.

The Selection Index runs from 48 and 228. To compute the Selection Index, sum your Math, Reading, Writing, and Language exam scores together, then double that total. The score required to be eligible for a scholarship varies by state.

Which PSAT Test Should Sophomores Take?

Sophomores can take one of two PSAT tests: the PSAT 10 or the PSAT/NMSQT, which is the subject of this article. Because the PSAT 10 is primarily developed for sophomores, the PSAT/NMSQT may be slightly more demanding and hard.

Most test takers should aim to take the PSAT/NMSQT during their sophomore year. While you cannot apply for the National Merit Scholarship in 10th grade, you can obtain significant experience in preparation for your junior year, when you can.

If you have little experience with standardized testing, the PSAT 10 may be a better alternative since it may ease you into it and acquaint you with the procedure.

Can Sophomores Qualify for a National Merit Scholarship?

Only high school juniors are eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program. As a result, even if you do well on the PSAT as a sophomore, you will be ineligible for the programme.

Taking the exam your sophomore year, however, might give you valuable practice for the following year. The PSAT/NMSQT also provides good practice for the SAT, which you may take in your junior or senior year.

Frequently Asked Questions About the PSAT

Do colleges look at your PSAT results?

Colleges, in general, do not look at your PSAT results, even if you qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. In most circumstances, your score reports and PSAT results are only seen by you and your high school.

When are PSAT results made public?

The College Board usually discloses PSAT scores roughly eight weeks after you take the test. Because the PSAT is administered each year in October, this day normally falls in December.

How often do you take the PSAT?

Many students only take the PSAT once during their junior year, in the fall. While the SAT may only be taken once each year, the PSAT can be taken up to three times in total.

Students in college preparation institutions are frequently required to take the test during their sophomore and junior years. It is important to note that only your junior-year score is considered for National Merit Scholarships.

When are you going to take the PSAT?

The PSAT is often taken in the fall of a student's junior year. Some students take the test during their sophomore year. Every year in October, several high schools across the United States offer the PSAT. The testing dates for this year are October 12 (main test day), October 15 (Saturday test option), and October 25 (last day) (alternate test date).