How do you interpret PSAT scores?

I got my PSAT scores back, and I'm not exactly sure how to read them. What’s considered a good score, and how can I tell what my strengths and weaknesses are from the score report?

Hiya! First off, cheers on completing your PSAT—it's a great step forward in your college prep journey. Understanding your PSAT score report is key to using it as a tool for further improvement. The scores range from 320 to 1520, combining your Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores. Each section is scored between 160 and 760, and you also get a selection index score (double the sum of your reading, writing, and math test scores), which is used for National Merit Scholarship qualification.

As for what's good? It's relative to your goals! Nationally, you can look at the percentiles to see how you stack up against other test-takers. Typically, scoring in the 90th percentile or above is considered strong. For strengths and weaknesses, delve into the detailed breakdowns of each section. The report shows your correct, incorrect, and omitted answers and categorizes questions by difficulty and skill, which can be immensely helpful. Say you're acing the data analysis questions but struggling with algebraic expressions—now you know where to focus your prep! And if you're aiming for National Merit recognition, look to hit at least the top 1% for your state's selection index score. Keep up the great work, and don't hesitate to get more tailored guidance on improvement strategies!