Making sense of PSAT 10 scores?

Just got my PSAT 10 scores back... and umm, I'm not sure how to interpret them. Can anyone break down what the scores mean and how colleges might look at them, if at all? Even better if you can tell me whether they're good predictors for the actual SAT! Thank you!

It's really great that you’re seeking to understand your PSAT scores and what they might suggest for your upcoming SATs. The PSAT, also known as the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), essentially serves as a practice test for the SAT.

The twenty-five dollar words to know in this glossary are Selection Index and National Percentile:

- Selection Index - A sum of the three test scores, multiplied by 2. Each test score ranges between 8 and 38.

- National Percentile - Gives you a sense of how you scored relative to other students in your grade.

Looking closely at these elements, and where you stand in terms of national percentages and the selection indexes, will provide valuable insights into your strengths and areas that may need improvement.

Now, it's important to highlight that while the PSAT is designed to prepare you for the SAT, it's not identical to the SAT—there are slight differences in difficulty and the maximum possible scores for a start. An 1150 on the PSAT, for instance, would translate to around an 1260 on the SAT, thanks to these slight variations. So while it's certainly a useful benchmark, it's not a precise forecaster for your eventual SAT score.

In terms of how colleges look at PSAT scores—the truth is, they really don't. Your PSAT scores are not reported to colleges. They're ultimately for your benefit, allowing you to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses in your test-taking strategy so that you can prepare effectively for the SAT.

Lastly, when it comes to predicting your SAT score, while your PSAT results can give you a rough idea, remember that there's still plenty of time and room for improvement. Regular and focused test prep can make a big difference in your SAT outcomes. The brand new Bluebook™ app, for instance, lets you preview the digital SAT and even take a full-length practice test, providing an accurate representation of what to expect on test day. So don't stress too much over your PSAT results, and instead focus on refining your test-taking strategy for the big day!