PSAT score percentiles: How do I compare?

Hi everyone! After I get my PSAT scores back, I'd like to know where I stand in comparison to others. How do I find out which percentile my score falls into? Thanks!

Hi there! To find out which percentile your PSAT score falls into, you should refer to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation's (NMSC) percentile rankings. These rankings are included in your PSAT score report. When you receive the report, you can find your percentiles by checking the "User Percentile" and "Nationally Representative Sample Percentile."

The "User Percentile" demonstrates the percentage of students who scored lower than you among all test-takers in your grade. The "Nationally Representative Sample Percentile" represents the percentage of students in a representative sample of U.S. students you outscored. This statistic takes into account students who didn't take the PSAT as well as those who did.

An outstanding percentile rank can make you eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program. For the overall PSAT score, 99th percentile means you scored better than 99 percent of students. To be considered for National Merit Scholarships, you should aim to be within the top one percent of scorers, which usually corresponds to a selection index of 220 or higher, though it can vary by state.

Keep in mind that PSAT percentiles are just one aspect of your college application. Colleges will focus primarily on your SAT or ACT scores, GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters. The PSAT is a useful indicator of your current skills, and it helps you identify areas where you might need to improve before taking the SAT or ACT. Good luck!