What's considered a good pre-SAT score?

Hi everyone! I recently took the pre-SAT and received my score report. How can I tell if I did well or not? What is typically considered a 'good' pre-SAT score that I should aim for?

Hi there! To determine if you did well on the pre-SAT, it's essential to understand its scoring structure. The pre-SAT, also known as the PSAT, is scored on a scale of 320 to 1520, with each section (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math) ranging from 160 to 760 points.

A 'good' pre-SAT score can be evaluated based on percentile rankings, which indicate the percentage of students who scored lower than you. For instance, if your score corresponds to the 75th percentile, you scored better than 75% of test takers. Generally, aiming for a score above the 75th percentile is considered good, which corresponds to a score of around 1210 or higher. You can find more detailed percentile data on the College Board website.

However, remember that the pre-SAT serves primarily as a practice test for the actual SAT and a qualifier for the National Merit Scholarship Program. To gauge your preparedness for the SAT, you can roughly convert your pre-SAT score to an SAT score by adding about 30 points. For example, an 1150 on the PSAT would translate to around an 1180 on the SAT.

It's also crucial to ensure your pre-SAT score aligns with the admission requirements of the college you hope to attend. Accordingly, research the average SAT scores of admitted students at those institutions to set more personalized goals. Generally, selective colleges expect SAT scores in the range of 1350 to 1550 (75th-99th percentile for the SAT).

Ultimately, a 'good' pre-SAT score is the one that demonstrates your potential for success on the SAT and helps you gauge where you need improvement. Keep in mind that both tests can be retaken, allowing you to improve your scores over time. Good luck and happy studying!