Hey everyone, I'll be taking the PSAT pretty soon and wanted to get a solid understanding of the scoring system. Could anyone explain or link me to a good guide? I'm not clear on how they scale the questions and what a 'good' score would look like.
The PSAT score, like the SAT score, is a composite of the two sections - Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW). Each of these sections is scaled individually from a range of 160 to 760, making the maximum composite score 1520. These scaled scores are calculated from your raw scores, which are simply the number of correct answers you gave, with no deduction for incorrect answers.
A 'good' PSAT score can depend on your personal goals. If you're aiming to qualify as a National Merit Semifinalist, the score you’d need can vary significantly by state, but as a rule of thumb, you'd usually need a composite score of 1400 or above to be competitive, particularly in states with high cutoffs. Of course, the higher your score, the better your chances.
Though there isn't a definitive guide within a single page that I could recommend, you could try searching for "PSAT scoring guide" or similar terms to find more detailed explanations. CollegeBoard's website should also have more information on how scores are calculated.
Remember, while doing well on the PSAT can be a great confidence booster and provide valuable practice, it's not as vital to college admissions as your performance in school or on the actual SAT/ACT. Spend the right amount of time preparing, but don't over-prioritize it at the expense of your other responsibilities.
Remember also that starting from Fall 2023, the PSAT is offered online but you must take it while physically present at a school or testing center. You cannot take it from home.
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