Is a 90th percentile PSAT score good enough?

Hello! I just found out that my PSAT score is in the 90th percentile. Is this a good score, and what should I expect for college admissions with a score like this?

Congrats on achieving a 90th percentile PSAT score! This is a good score and indicates that you performed better than 90% of the students who took the test. However, it's important to understand that the PSAT is mainly a practice test for the SAT and not typically used for college admissions.

That being said, a 90th percentile PSAT score can be a helpful indicator of what you might score on the actual SAT. To get a more accurate estimate, you can convert your PSAT score to an SAT score. For example, an 1150 on the PSAT is around 1180 on the SAT. Keep in mind, SAT scores can vary based on test day performance and other factors, so it's a good idea to take official SAT practice tests to better gauge your potential SAT score.

As you prepare for college admissions, focus on maintaining strong grades, undertaking challenging courses, and engaging in meaningful extracurricular activities. While standardized test scores are one aspect of college applications, admissions committees also consider your GPA, course rigor, extracurricular involvement, essays, and letters of recommendation.

If you're aiming for more selective colleges, you may want to target a higher SAT score. In that case, use your PSAT results to identify areas where you can improve and tailor your test preparation accordingly. If you're already satisfied with your projected SAT score, continue focusing on other aspects of your application.

Ultimately, the impact of your score on college admissions will depend on the specific schools you're applying to and their admission requirements. Research each school's middle 50% test scores and other admission factors to get a better understanding of where you stand and what actions you should take to strengthen your application. Remember, many colleges have adopted test-optional or test-blind policies, so it's essential to check each school's policy regarding standardized test scores. Good luck!