'Average' 1180 PSAT Score, Need some advice

I just took a practice PSAT and got a 1180. Feels pretty average to me, and I'm kinda stressed about it. Would really appreciate some advice/encouragement, and I'm curious what colleges I should be thinking about with this score? How much can I realistically improve on the actual SAT?

Don't stress too much about your PSAT score. Remember, the PSAT is a preliminary exam and is meant to provide you with insight into which areas you need to focus on. An 1180 PSAT score is a solid starting point.

To give you some perspective on the conversion from PSAT to SAT, an 1180 on the PSAT corresponds roughly to about a 1290 on the SAT. But, you still have ample time to improve your score before you take the official SAT.

One good strategy to follow is to analyze your PSAT score report. Identify the areas where you lost points and focus more on those areas during your study sessions.

You asked about colleges to think about with your current PSAT score. To give you an idea, there are many excellent schools where a 1290 SAT score (equivalent to your PSAT score) is within the middle 50% range of admitted students. These include schools like Texas Tech University, University of Oregon, and Kansas State University among others. However, keep in mind that test scores are neither the sole nor the most important factor in college admissions at many schools. Your GPA, coursework rigor, extracurricular involvement, and essays will also play crucial roles.

As to how much you can improve, that really depends on how much time and effort you put into your preparation. With focused studying and regular practice, it's entirely possible to see significant improvement. There are numerous resources to help you prepare for the SAT, including test prep books, online practice tests, and tutoring. If you dedicate a good portion of time consistently to studying for the SAT, you could see an improvement in your score.

At the end of the day, remember that you're more than a test score and your dedication and hard work can definitely shine through in other aspects of your application. So while improving your SAT score will surely help, also ensure you focus on other elements of your application like extracurriculars and your essays. Keep up the determination and you're sure to make progress.