Should I be happy with a 1170 PSAT score as a junior?

So I just got my PSAT score back and it's a 1170. I'm a junior and I know this is the year colleges might start looking at it. Is this a good score, or should I be looking to improve before the SAT? Feeling a bit stressed about it.

It's absolutely natural to feel a bit of stress when you receive your PSAT scores, but remember that the PSAT is primarily a practice tool for the SAT. A score of 1170 is a solid starting point, and indicates a strong foundation to build upon. Depending on the colleges you aim to apply to, you might want to improve your score to align better with their typical admit ranges.

For example, if you're looking at highly selective schools, students often have SAT scores in the very upper percentiles. In this case, striving for a higher SAT score could be beneficial. However, if you're considering colleges with a wider range of admitted student scores, your current PSAT score is quite promising.

Either way, the good news is you have time to prepare for the SAT. Many students see significant improvements in their scores through focused study, practice tests, and, if needed, tutoring. Finally, it's important to note that colleges won't actually see your PSAT score at all, only your SAT score. So don't stress out too much–you're on the right track, and with time and practice, there's every reason to believe your scores will improve, so that you can feel confident applying to any college out there.