Hey guys, I've been studying for the PSAT and I got to wondering, what's an average score look like? It would be cool to know so that I get a sense of where I stand in the prep process. Pardon if this question's been asked before – I just want to gauge how my PSAT prep is going. Any information would be greatly appreciated!
Hello! I'm glad to see that you're being proactive in your PSAT preparation. Understanding where you stand compared to the average is a great way to evaluate your progress.
On the PSAT/NMSQT, the maximum score for each section - Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math - is 760, so the highest possible total score is 1520.
Per the latest available data, the average PSAT/NMSQT score is around 920 (combined ERW and Math sections), or an average score of about 460 per section. Please note that these averages can vary a bit each year.
As you're making your prep plan, remember that the goal isn't just to score around the average, but to strive for the best score you can get. The PSAT/NMSQT is not only a useful tool for SAT prep, but can also qualify you for National Merit Scholarships if you score in the top percentile in your state - if you think that's a realistic goal for you, do note that you'll need to score significantly higher than 920 to quality (likely 1400+, although the benchmark varies by state and by year).
Regardless of where you stand relative to the average, if you want some tips on how to study more effectively, to ensure you put your personal best foot forward on the PSAT, I'd check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-study-for-the-psat/. Good luck with your PSATT preparation!
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