Average PSAT Score for 9th Graders
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The average PSAT 8/9 score for 9th graders falls around 830-840 for the composite score, with section scores of approximately 420 in Reading & Writing and 410-420 in Math. These scores represent the 50th percentile, meaning half of 9th-grade test takers score above and below this range. For context, the PSAT 8/9 uses a scoring scale from 240-1440 total (120-720 per section), which is 80 points lower than the regular PSAT/NMSQT to account for its easier content level.

What constitutes a "good" score varies by goals, but scoring around 970 composite (500 Reading & Writing, 470-480 Math) puts a 9th grader in the 75th percentile, while 1100 composite (570 Reading & Writing, 540 Math) reaches the 90th percentile. The highest-achieving students score 1300+ composite, placing them in the 99th percentile. Since many 9th graders haven't completed key high school math courses yet, Math scores tend to be slightly lower than Reading & Writing scores at this grade level.

It's important to remember that freshman PSAT scores serve primarily as baseline measurements and practice for future standardized tests. Most students see significant improvement between 9th and 11th grade as they complete more coursework and develop better test-taking strategies. The real value lies in identifying strengths and weaknesses early, allowing for targeted preparation before taking the PSAT/NMSQT junior year for National Merit consideration.