Man, I'm trying to find solid info on the maximum score for the PSAT, but I'm not sure I'm looking in the right places. Anyone can give me the deets? Should I be trying to max out or just shoot for a certain percentile?
The maximum score you can achieve on the PSAT/NMSQT is 1520, which is distributed between the two sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math. Each section is scored on a scale of 160 to 760, which makes 1520 the highest possible combined score.
While a perfect score is an impressive achievement, realistically, it's more beneficial to aim for a high percentile score. In particular, you might want to aim for a score that would qualify you as a Semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program, if you're in 11th grade. The cutoff score for that varies by state and by year, but it's usually somewhere around the 99th percentile.
Remember, the PSAT is primarily a practice test for the SAT, and while the scores do matter for National Merit (if you’re in 11th grade), they won't be considered in your college applications. Focus on using the PSAT as a diagnostic tool to identify your strengths and weaknesses in preparation for the SAT.
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