Sophomores and PSAT scores - does it actually matter?

Hi guys, I'm a sophomore who just took the PSAT and I'm kind of curious (or maybe a little stressed) – does my PSAT score even matter at this point? Will colleges look at it, or is it purely for my own benefit to see where I'm at academically?

Firstly, it's great that you're already thinking about your standardized test scores as a sophomore! To address your concern, colleges will not see your sophomore PSAT scores. This test is primarily a practice for the SAT and also serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) for juniors. While it's for your benefit at this stage, it's a useful diagnostic tool to identify your strengths and areas for improvement. Take this opportunity to focus on the subjects that may need more attention so you can be better prepared for the actual SAT or ACT in your junior or senior year. Additionally, having this experience can help reduce test anxiety down the road as you become more familiar with the testing format and time constraints. Remember, the PSAT is a stepping stone in your test-taking journey, so use it to your advantage!