What does a 980 on the PSAT indicate?

I recently got my PSAT results and scored a 980. What does this score mean in terms of college readiness? Also, how close am I to the National Merit Scholarship cutoff in terms of PSAT score?

A 980 on the PSAT is a decent score, but it does leave room for improvement in terms of college readiness. To better understand your performance, it's helpful to know that the PSAT ranges from 320 to 1520. A score of 980 falls near the 50th percentile, meaning you scored close to the average when compared to other test takers.

Regarding the National Merit Scholarship, I'm afraid you're quite a bit below the cutoff. The qualifying score varies by state, but typically, students need to score at or above the 99th percentile (approximately a score of 1400 or higher) to qualify as a National Merit Semifinalist. While your score is not within the National Merit Scholarship range, it's worth noting that plenty of other scholarships and grants are available to students based on a variety of factors, so don't be discouraged.

In order to improve your college readiness, consider taking advantage of resources like practice tests, review books, or tutoring services to strengthen your overall understanding of the material and test-taking strategies. As you continue preparing for the SAT, it's essential to identify your weaknesses and target them for improvement. Remember that practice and persistence are key to achieving better scores on standardized tests.

In the meantime, focusing on maintaining a strong GPA and participating in meaningful extracurricular activities can also go a long way toward enhancing your college application. Most colleges look at various factors, including academics, test scores, and extracurricular involvement, to evaluate their applicants holistically. So, while improving your test scores is important, make sure to balance your efforts in all aspects of your college application.