Using Your PSAT Score as a Roadmap

The highly anticipated PSAT scores will be released next week and we’ve outlined some practical ways to use your results as a roadmap going forward. There are a lot of misconceptions about the PSAT and we want to help you better understand your results and how to use them to your advantage. 

But first, a brief summary of the PSAT and National Merit Scholarship Program: 

The PSAT is a timed, multiple choice test that contains two sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. It was designed by the College Board and co-sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and is generally given to sophomores and juniors to help them determine their readiness for college. Students are eligible for the National Merit Scholarship competition based on results from the 11th grade year. If you have questions about how to read your score report, the College Board offers a quick guide here. PSAT scores are not submitted to colleges and, for the most part, have little-to-no bearing on the college application process, unless you are in the top percentile of students that qualify for National Merit Scholarships.

Each year, approximately 50,000 students (out of 1.4 million juniors) will receive recognition based on their PSAT results. Most students need a test score within the top 1% of their state. That means the score cutoff will change depending on where you reside, and how well others in your state did on the PSAT. You’ll find out in September of your senior year if you scored well enough to become a semifinalist. For the remaining 99% of students, PSAT scores are not submitted to colleges and, for the most part, have little-to-no bearing on the college application process.

So why does the PSAT even matter and how can you use your results to plan going forward?

The PSAT tells you what you need to work on. Arguably the most important information you will gain from taking the PSAT is the knowledge of what you need to work on to be successful on the SAT or ACT. 

The PSAT helps you gauge where you stand among other students. You may be doing well in school and getting excellent grades, but how do you stack up to students around the country -- the ones that you will be competing against for admission seats and scholarship dollars? Your PSAT results will give you a glimpse of where you stand.

Your PSAT results can help you create a balanced college list. Juniors should begin shaping their college list through the spring semester. The PSAT gives students a good idea of how well they will perform on the SAT or ACT so that they can make informed decisions about which colleges to apply for, based on their chances of being accepted. 

The PSAT can inform your course selection. One of the most useful features that has been added to the PSAT score report in recent years is the “AP Potential and Coursework” section. This section gives you an idea of how well you might perform in different AP subjects, helping you to build a stellar foundation of coursework to support your eventual SAT or ACT score. You can read more about our thoughts on AP coursework and how your curriculum will have a significant impact on your college admission results.

Your PSAT results should guide your test-prep planning. If you receive a score that is below what you are hoping to achieve on the SAT or ACT, don’t fret. Study after study has proven the effectiveness of test prep in raising your score. That said, preparation takes time. The PSAT gives you a glimpse into how much preparation is needed so you can plan accordingly as you approach your SAT or ACT test dates. Still not sure how long you should set aside to prepare? Let’s chat. We can help you determine the amount of time you will need in order to meet your test goals. Click here to schedule a time to review your PSAT scores with us and the next steps to take as you approach the SAT or ACT.