PSAT Scoring Process - Can someone clearly explain?

Hiya everyone! I'm a little confused about how the PSAT is scored. I know that the raw score converts to a scaled score, but how does that work exactly? What kind of score should I aim for to be competitive for National Merit? Cheers.

Sure, I'd be glad to clarify how PSAT scoring works! The PSAT is scored on a scale of 320 to 1520. This scaled score is derived from your raw score (the total number of questions correctly answered) which is then converted via a scaling process called equating, designed to ensure the scores are comparable across different test editions.

Every PSAT test has its own unique, specific conversion table. Though the tables differ, generally, for each correctly answered question on the Reading and Writing sections, you are usually awarded one point, and one point for each correctly solved Math question.

The raw scores for the Reading and Writing sections are combined to give a single 'Evidence-Based Reading and Writing' score. This is calculated by adding your Reading raw score to your Writing raw score and then multiplying the total by ten. The Math section follows the same process: your raw Math score is multiplied by ten to reach your scaled Math score.

To calculate your total PSAT score, you simply add your scaled Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score with your scaled Math score.

As for the score to aim for to be competitive for National Merit, you'll want to aim for a score in the very top percentiles. Generally, aim for a score of at least 1400 or above, although the selection index cutoff varies by state and year. In the most competitive regions, PSAT scores needed for National Merit semi-finalist consideration have been in the mid to high 1400s. It's a pretty high bar, but with preparation and practice, you can definitely be competitive for it. Good luck with your test preparation!