What is a good PSAT score?
‍

A good PSAT score typically falls in the 75th percentile or higher, which translates to composite scores of 1130+ for 11th graders and 1150+ for 10th graders. These scores demonstrate above-average performance and suggest you're on track for competitive SAT scores. Excellent scores that place you in the top 10% (90th percentile) range from 1270+ for juniors and 1280+ for sophomores, positioning you well for merit scholarships and selective college admissions.

However, what constitutes a "good" score varies significantly based on your goals and grade level. For National Merit Scholarship consideration, you'll need scores in the top 1% of your state, typically requiring composite scores of 1400-1480 depending on your location. If you're aiming for highly competitive colleges, scores above 1350 indicate strong preparation for the SAT and suggest you're developing the skills needed for top-tier admissions.

Context matters immensely when evaluating PSAT performance. A score of 1000 might be excellent for a first-time 10th grade test taker but concerning for a junior planning to apply to competitive schools. The key is using your PSAT score as a diagnostic tool to identify strengths and weaknesses, then creating a targeted study plan for SAT preparation. Remember that the PSAT is primarily practice for the SAT - many students see substantial improvements between their PSAT and final SAT scores through dedicated preparation.

‍