PSAT season is coming up, like it does every year, and students are filled to the brim with joy (more like dread). 

The PSAT is most commonly used as a practice for the SAT, which the scoring of matters to most students, as well as determining qualifying students for the National Merit Scholarship. SAT scores matter to those who intend on attending college, as the scores can help determine a student’s acceptance into particular schools. One example in the state of Indiana alone would be IU, as the school expects to see a score no lower than an 840 on the SAT. SAT scores can also determine whether or not a student is applicable for financial aid and to apply for scholarships. 

The repetitive taking of the PSAT can help students see their progress a few times before actually taking the test, and allow them to adequately prepare beforehand. While PSAT scores can be used to get a general idea of how one is going to do on the SAT, it’s important to understand that the SAT is more difficult, so the scores don’t directly translate. However, it’s equally as important to state that taking the PSAT (and seeing the score) can help students determine what their focus needs to be before taking the SAT.

PSAT scores are between 320 and 1520, 320 being the low end and 1520 the highest, respectively. Scoring between 1210 and 1520 would put a student in the top 10% of test takers, with the average score being roughly at 920, and an ideal or perfect score of 1520 (at the absolute maximum). Despite these facts, the score that a student would hope to reach would be based on their expectancy and goals within themselves. 

While the day in which students take PSATs can be a day that they feel apprehensive about, it can also be a day that students have come to appreciate for the opportunities it is bringing to them.