Hey all, I'm deep in prep for my PSAT and was wondering - what's considered an average score? And how much does the average PSAT score affect college admissions if at all? Is it just a prep for SAT or crucial in its own way? Looking forward to your responses, thanks!
The PSAT score range is from 320 (low) to 1520 (high), and the national average tends to hover right around the mid-mark of around 920 to 940. However, what might be considered an "average" score can vary a bit depending on your personal goals. For example, if you're hoping to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship, you'll be aiming much higher for a score in the top 1% which would generally mean around 1400 or above, but this can also differ by state.
As for how the PSAT affects college admissions, it's important to note that colleges do not see your PSAT scores unless you choose to include them. The PSAT is primarily considered a preparatory exam for the SAT, offering practice under real test conditions and it helps forecast how you might score on the SAT. So in that aspect, it can indirectly impact your college admissions if better preparedness for the SAT leads to a higher SAT score later on.
The one unique aspect of the PSAT is that it's used to determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship program. Scoring high can make you eligible for these scholarships, acknowledgment, and potentially increase your attractiveness to colleges. Keep up the good work with your prep!
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