PSAT Scores for Sophomores: Should I Be Worried?

Hey everyone, I'm a sophomore and I just took the PSAT for the first time (yikes!). I'm curious about what other 10th graders typically score on this test. I want to know if my score is on track or if I should start worrying. Any insight would be amazing, thanks!

Hi there! First of all, remember that you're just a sophomore and you have plenty of time to improve your PSAT score before it really starts to matter for National Merit Scholarships in your junior year. So don't stress too much!

It's important to keep in mind that the PSAT is designed to give you an idea of where you stand and what areas you may need to focus on to improve for the actual SAT. As a sophomore, you haven't yet covered all the material in school, so naturally, your score might not be as high as you'd like.

The PSAT is scored on a scale of 320 to 1520, with the Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing sections each scored between 160 and 760. Sophomores typically score lower on the PSAT than juniors since they haven't had as much exposure to test material. It's not uncommon for sophomore scores to be in the 800-1000 range or even lower depending on the student.

With that being said, instead of comparing your score to others, it's more important to focus on your own growth and progress. Review your test results, identify the areas where you can improve, and make a study plan to address those weaknesses. The College Board provides detailed feedback on the areas in which you can improve, which can help guide your preparation.

If you're aiming for National Merit Scholarships, remember those opportunities are based on your junior year PSAT scores, so you have another year to prepare for that. Overall, don't worry too much as a sophomore. Focus on your coursework, find resources to help you practice, and be proactive in your test preparation. Good luck!