The College Board released PSAT Scores in December, but many students do not know how to interpret their PSAT score. Many times schools send home the Summary Score Report, but your Full Score Report is available on the College Board website. To view the Full Score Report, visit (https://studentscores.collegeboard.org/viewscore/overview) and sign into your account that you set up when registering for the PSAT. From this site, click on the Download link, and you can get a PDF version of your Summary Score Report. If your school ordered the PSAT test booklets, you can request a copy so you can examine the specific questions you missed. If not, reviewing the “Test Questions” and “Skills Insight” tabs on the online score report can also prove helpful.
PSAT scores reflect what you likely would have scored on the SAT on that same day; however, the PSAT does not have 800 – level content, so it does not offer an 800 score. PSAT section scores are on a 160-760 scale whereas the SAT Section Scores are on a 200-800— scale The scales differ because some SAT content is more advanced than on the PSAT, however the College Board has structured the test so that PSAT scores are on the same continuous scale as the SAT making them compatible.
Your Total PSAT Score
Your Total Score and Section Scores, as well as percentile ranks, can be viewed in the Score Overview tab. The Total Score is the sum of the Section Scores, namely evidence-based reading and writing along with the math score. These two scores are typically the most important SAT scores when applying to colleges. Please remember your PSAT score is not used for college admissions, but it can serve as a good indicator of your potential SAT score.
The NMSC Selection Index
PSAT/NMSQT scores are used by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) to select candidates for Merit Scholarship awards during their senior year. Finalists are chosen by the NMSC Selection Index scores, which are calculated from PSAT Reading, Writing and Language, and Math Test scores. Selection Index scores range from 48-228. The scores required to qualify for National Merit Scholarships vary from state to state and are published on the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website. (https://www.nationalmerit.org)
Additional Score Details
We encourage sophomores to sit for the test to get a general understanding of the test questions and pacing, however it is too early to use this as a tool for sophomores as many have not completed the math skills that are included on the test. Juniors, however, can use their scores to assess their strengths and weaknesses which will help the define focus areas for the SAT or ACT tests.
If you would like more insight into analyzing your scores, the Score Details Tab will help guide students on the content areas which require further skill-building. The Test Scores section also allows you to click on links which connect you to the Test Questions tab for a particular topic.
Cross Test Scores and sub scores are used primarily in states where the PSAT is the primary tool for assessment of student progress, curriculum decisions and the overall assessment of high schools and school districts.
Now That You Know How to Interpret Your PSAT Score, What’s Next?
Now that you know how to interpret your PSAT test score and see how it can give you valuable feedback it’s time to master the strategies for the SAT or ACT test by taking a test preparation class at Mount Lebanon Academy. Students can register now for a group class or a private tutorial. Our teachers provide a personalized approach that incorporates careful analysis of previous test scores, and they make every effort to address students’ individualized learning needs. Take advantage of this opportunity to reach your peak score by participating in one of our popular well paced preparation programs. Don’t delay! We look forward to helping you reach your test-taking goals.
Visit our website (www.mtleboacademy.com) for a listing of programs and all course offerings or Call today if you have questions. 412-563-1413