I've taken the PSAT and I'm waiting for my scores. I'm honestly just really confused about how the whole scoring system works. How does PSAT scoring work exactly? I heard it's on a scale from 320 to 1520, but how does that compare to the actual SAT?
The PSAT/NMSQT is indeed scored on a scale from 320 to 1520. This is different from the SAT's scoring scale, which ranges from 400 to 1600. The reason the PSAT scores are scaled down is that it is a preliminary test and slightly easier.
Each section (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math) is scored between 160-760, with these two section scores adding up to your overall PSAT score. The SAT, on the other hand, scores each section on a scale of 200-800. The difference means that the highest possible PSAT score is 80 points lower per section than on the SAT, reflecting the test's position as a precursor to the SAT.
Finally, your PSAT score can give you an idea of how you might perform on the SAT. If you're aiming for National Merit Scholar consideration, the selection index (which is double the sum of your reading, writing, and math test scores) becomes important and varies by state. Remember, it's a useful benchmark but definitely use it as a stepping stone for further preparation for the SAT!
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