What is a good PSAT score?
A good PSAT score is one above the average for your grade. In 2024-25, juniors averaged 998 and sophomores 911 on the PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10, which are scored from 320 to 1520. For juniors, 1200 or higher put you in about the top 20%. National Merit Semifinalists usually rank in roughly the top 1% of juniors in their state.
There are three PSAT tests. The PSAT 8/9 is for grades 8 and 9 and is scored from 240 to 1440. The PSAT 10 and the PSAT/NMSQT are for grades 10 and 11 and are scored from 320 to 1520. All of them sit on the same scale as the SAT, just with a lower ceiling, so your PSAT score is a fair preview of your SAT score on that day. The PSAT/NMSQT has the same timing as the SAT: 98 questions in 2 hours and 14 minutes.
The College Board's 2025 report gives these averages for 2024-25: 998 in 11th grade, 911 in 10th grade, 852 in 9th grade and 798 in 8th grade. It also sets a readiness benchmark for each section and grade. In 11th grade that is 460 in Reading and Writing and 510 in Math. A score at or above both benchmarks means you are on track for your grade.
The PSAT/NMSQT you take in 11th grade is also the entry to the National Merit Scholarship Program. It uses a Selection Index, twice your Reading and Writing score plus your Math score, divided by 10, on a range from 48 to 228. Semifinalist cutoffs are set state by state and change every year. Colleges do not see your PSAT scores.
| Grade | Test | Score range | Average | Benchmarks (Reading and Writing / Math) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8th | PSAT 8/9 | 240-1440 | 798 | 390 / 430 |
| 9th | PSAT 8/9 | 240-1440 | 852 | 410 / 450 |
| 10th | PSAT 10 or PSAT/NMSQT | 320-1520 | 911 | 430 / 480 |
| 11th | PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 | 320-1520 | 998 | 460 / 510 |
- 1Open your score report and check your total and both section scores.
- 2Compare them with the average and the benchmarks for your grade.
- 3Look at the skill areas in the report to see where you lost the most points.
- 4If you are a junior aiming for National Merit, work out your Selection Index and compare it with recent cutoffs for your state.
- 5Turn your weakest skills into an SAT study plan with a test date.
- 6Take a full SAT practice test a few months later to measure your progress.