How PSAT Scoring Works

Hey all, I took the PSAT recently and was wondering about the SAT score prediction based on it. Does anyone know how the PSAT scoring system works and how accurate it might be in predicting SAT scores? Thanks!

The PSAT acts as a preliminary SAT to help students practice for the actual SAT and is also used for the National Merit Scholarship Program. The test is scored on a scale of 320 to 1520, unlike the SAT, which is on a 400 to 1600 scale.

Each section—Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math—of the PSAT is scored on a scale of 160 to 760 which, when added together, gives your composite score. Therefore, the highest possible score is 1520 instead of the 1600 for the SAT.

Predicting SAT scores from a PSAT score is not exactly a 1-to-1 conversion and can actually vary for each student, but it can give you a rough idea of your performance and where to focus your efforts. For instance, an 1150 on the PSAT might be around 1180-1200 on the SAT.

However, remember that the PSAT is a practice test, and while it gives a good indication of your SAT performance, the real SAT might contain more complex questions since it has a broader scope. Nevertheless, the skills assessed in both tests are the same, so your PSAT score can guide your preparations for the SAT, helping you identify areas where you need to improve.

To get comfortable with the new digital format of the SAT test, consider using the Bluebook™ app where you can take a full-length practice test mirroring the same structure.

Remember, it's not only about the score you get on the PSAT, but also about the progress you make between now and when you take the SAT. The goal of the PSAT is to help you identify areas that you need to work on, so look at your PSAT score with that in mind. Good luck with your SAT preparations!