Do PSAT Scores Matter for Sophomores?

Hey, so I'm a Sophomore, and I just completed my PSAT. Not sure how to feel about my scores though. Are they really an indication of how I'll do on the SAT? Should I be concerned if they're not as high as I'd like?

It's great that you're starting to think about the PSAT and SAT as a sophomore! The PSAT can certainly be a helpful tool in predicting how you might perform on the SAT, but it's not a definitive indicator. Remember that the PSAT is designed to be a little bit easier than the SAT, and the scoring scales are also slightly different. The PSAT is scored out of 1520, while the SAT is scored out of 1600.

For example, if you scored 1150 on your PSAT, it means that you might score around 1180 on your SAT. However, this example is not a guarantee. There are many factors that can influence how you perform on the actual SAT, such as the difficulty of the particular version of the test you get, the number of questions of each type, and of course, how much you study between now and then.

Furthermore, many students view the PSAT as a great tool to understand their current strengths and weaknesses. The score reports provide detailed feedback on skills so you can target your studying to areas you need to improve on. So, don't be too concerned if your PSAT score isn't as high as you would like now.

Behind those scores are opportunities to unearth and polish the areas that need more focus. After all, you're still a sophomore and there's ample time to prep for your SAT. Be sure to use resources like the Bluebook™ app which allows you to preview the digital SAT and take full-length practice tests. With targeted practice and commitment, it's possible to improve your score significantly. Best of luck!