PSAT Scores and College Admissions

Kinda anxious about this, but what PSAT score is generally considered acceptable or 'competitive' by most colleges?

While your anxiety around standardized tests is understandable, it's important to discuss what PSAT scores mean in the context of college admissions. In truth, colleges do not evaluate your PSAT scores when making admissions decisions. Rather, the PSAT is a preliminary exam, intended to help prepare you for the SAT or ACT and potentially qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship.

However, if you're curious about what constitutes a strong PSAT score, remember that perfect scores are 760 for each section, with a composite score of 1520. A score in the top 10% (around the 90th percentile) would be roughly 1200-1210.

Bear in mind, though, that these scores aren't directly used in college admissions. Instead, use them as a diagnostic tool to identify areas of strength and weakness in preparation for the ACT or SAT. Consider them as a benchmark - a high PSAT score can indicate potential success on the SAT/ACT, while a lower score might suggest areas that need additional study or practice.

Ultimately, focus more on the SAT or ACT scores when thinking about what might be competitive for your desired colleges. You can visit each college's website or use resources like CollegeVine to find the middle 50% test score ranges for admitted students. That will give you a clearer picture of what you should be aiming for on the SAT or ACT.