PSAT for 11th graders - what's the usual?

Hey guys and gals, I'm taking my PSAT soon. Quick query, does anyone know the average PSAT score for 11th graders? Just want to know where I need to be to feel good about my scores.

The average PSAT score for 11th graders varies by year, but it's typically around 1010. Remember, however, that your PSAT score is most valuable as a benchmark for your own progress and a predictor of your potential SAT scores. It's a stepping stone to identify areas where you could improve, rather than something you need to hit a certain number on to "feel good."

While the score you receive can give you some idea of where you stand relative to your peers, the PSAT is just as much about getting a feel for the SAT as it is about the score itself. It helps you familiarize yourself with the timing, the types of questions, and the general test-day experience. You can use the information in your score to help you study more effectively for the SAT - learn how to do that in our blog post: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-understand-and-use-your-psat-results/.

The score range for the PSAT is 320-1520. To put it in perspective, a score of 1010 would be slightly above average, a score of 1200 would put you in the 81st percentile (top 19% of test takers), and a perfect score of 1520 would essentially make you a top 1% test-taker. To get a more detailed look at percentiles and what makes for a good score, check out this article: https://blog.collegevine.com/good-psat-score/.

The 'jump' from PSAT score to SAT score isn't a 1:1 conversion. An 1150 on the PSAT, for instance, would translate to about an 1180 on the SAT. If you're looking to apply to highly selective colleges or universities, a PSAT score of 1400+ would be a good benchmark. However, keep in mind that achieving a high PSAT score should not be your end goal – the ultimate aim should be to perform well on the SAT, for which the PSAT is merely a precursor.

Keep in mind, if you score highly on the PSAT in 11th grade, you might qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which can offer monetary awards and recognition that can bolster your college applications.

Remember, practice and understanding your weak areas are key to improving your scores, be it on the PSAT or the SAT. Best of luck on your test!