So, what’s actually a good PSAT score in 2025? Short answer: it depends on who you are and what you want out of the test. For most students, anything 1200–1300+ is pretty solid, while scores above 1400 usually get you into that National Merit conversation.
But let’s be real — for a lot of kids, the PSAT is just a practice SAT. The pressure mostly kicks in junior year when scholarships come into play.
Here’s everything you need to know, plus some tips I’ve seen parents and students share on Reddit and College Confidential.
Already close to your target score? Check out these Last-Minute PSAT 2025 Tips to lock in your results.
What Even Is the PSAT and Why Does It Matter?
The PSAT (short for “Preliminary SAT”) is like the SAT’s warm-up round. It’s shorter, a little easier, and your scores don’t go on college apps.
Here’s where it does matter:
- Juniors take the PSAT/NMSQT, and that one’s tied to the National Merit Scholarship.
- Schools also use PSAT results to gauge how students are doing compared to others nationwide.
- It’s a really good SAT predictor — like a sneak peek at how you’ll perform later.
In my opinion, the biggest value is the confidence boost. I’ve worked with juniors who said, “Once I saw my PSAT score, I knew what to expect on the SAT.” Even if you don’t land National Merit, it helps you build test-day stamina.
Official source: College Board’s PSAT page.
Before diving into what makes a ‘good’ PSAT score, make sure you know when and how to access your score — see our PSAT Score Release 2025 guide for step-by-step instructions.
Chekout PSAT full guide.
What Is Considered a Good PSAT Score in 2025?
A “good” PSAT score really depends on what you’re aiming for. Most students think of it in three levels:
- Average: Around 950–1050. That’s where most sophomores and juniors land.
- Above Average / Good: Anything above 1150–1200 puts you ahead of most test takers.
- Excellent: A score in the 1300–1400 range means you’re in the top 10% nationwide.
- Elite (National Merit range): Around 1450+ — that’s usually the cutoff for scholarship recognition, though it varies by state.
Want to talk about your teen’s progress beyond test scores? Try these parent-teacher conference questions that open up better academic discussions.
Here’s what most people miss: PSAT scores aren’t sent to colleges. But they do predict where you’ll likely land on the SAT. For example, a 1200 PSAT often translates to a 1250–1300 SAT, which is solid for many state universities.
If you’re comparing test scores with grades, this breakdown pairs well with how U.S. letter grades are calculated.
What’s a Good PSAT Score for a Sophomore in 2025?
For sophomores, anything around 1000–1100 is already solid. If you’re hitting 1200+, you’re ahead of most of your peers.
I saw a sophomore post on Reddit last year freaking out about getting a 1010, thinking it was “bad.” The top reply was basically: “Dude, chill. That’s normal for 10th grade. You’ll probably add 150+ points by junior year.” And honestly? That’s usually true.
Pro tip: Don’t obsess over sophomore year scores — use them as a baseline to build from.
What’s a Good PSAT Score for a Junior in 2025?
For juniors, the PSAT suddenly matters more — this is the PSAT/NMSQT, the one that counts for National Merit Scholarships.
- A “solid” junior score is 1200–1250, which means you’re on track for a competitive SAT.
- A “very strong” score is 1300+, usually placing you in the top 10–15% of test takers.
- To be in the running for National Merit, you’ll typically need a 1450+.
But here’s the tricky part: the cutoff isn’t the same everywhere. States like New Jersey, Massachusetts, and California often have higher cutoffs (sometimes 1470–1480), while smaller states can be lower (around 1410–1420).
Example: In 2024, a 1460 was enough to qualify in Texas but not in New Jersey.
So, a “good” score for juniors really depends on your goals:
- College readiness? 1200+ is good.
- Competitive SAT predictor? 1300+.
- National Merit hopes? Aim for 1450 or higher.
A ‘good’ PSAT score isn’t just about National Merit — it can predict your SAT outcomes too. Check out our PSAT vs SAT Guide to see what your score means for college prep.
PSAT Score Ranges by Grade (Quick Table for 2025)
| Grade | Average Score | Good Score | Excellent Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9th | 850–950 | 1000+ | 1100+ |
| 10th | 900–1050 | 1100+ | 1200+ |
| 11th | 1000–1100 | 1200+ | 1350–1520 |
If you’re aiming high enough for National Merit recognition, you’ll need to hit your state’s cutoff. Here’s our updated National Merit Scholarship cutoffs guide for 2025.
Is 1300 a Good PSAT Score?
Yes — a 1300 on the PSAT is a very good score, usually placing you in the 88th–90th percentile nationwide. It predicts about a 1350–1400 on the SAT, which is competitive for many state universities and some honors programs.
Expanded breakdown:
Percentile context: A 1300 means you outperformed nearly 9 out of 10 test takers. That’s a huge confidence boost heading into junior year.
SAT equivalent: College Board concordance charts show that a 1300 PSAT roughly translates to a 1350–1400 SAT, which can put you in range for schools like Penn State, University of Florida, or Purdue.
Scholarship angle: While 1300 won’t usually qualify for National Merit, it’s strong enough for other merit-based awards (many universities give scholarships to students in the 90th percentile and above).
Sophomore vs Junior: Here’s what most people miss — if you’re a sophomore with a 1300, that’s insane. You’re already brushing against National Merit territory for junior year. For juniors, it’s still excellent, but you’ll need a bit more (1450+) if scholarships are the target.
(Once you know your scores, our SAT Exam Day Checklist can help you stay calm and prepared on test day.)
Quick comparison chart:
| Score | Percentile | SAT Equivalent | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1300 | ~88–90% | ~1350–1400 | Strong SAT predictor, honors program range |
| 1450+ | 99% | ~1500+ | National Merit territory |
A 1300 usually signals you’re ready for tougher classes, so you may want to check our list of easiest AP classes to balance your schedule.
(This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase or sign up through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend courses and tools we genuinely believe can help students succeed.)
Once you understand your PSAT results, try a few free SAT practice tests to see how you’d perform on the real exam.”
Check our top-rated free SAT practice tests.
How Does the PSAT Compare to the SAT in 2025?
The PSAT is basically the SAT’s little sibling:
- Shorter, slightly easier
- Max score is 1520 vs. SAT’s 1600
- Same test style: Reading/Writing + Math
Here’s a rough conversion: A 1300 PSAT usually predicts about a 1350–1400 SAT.
Source: College Board concordance tables.
Check out our GPA guide — since GPA + SAT are still the biggest factors colleges care about.
If your PSAT score shows you’re ready for the SAT, here’s a guide for last-minute prep.
How to Improve Your PSAT Score
You can improve your PSAT score by following a consistent study plan, practicing under timed conditions, and using free official resources like Khan Academy’s SAT prep (which aligns directly with the PSAT).
Chasing that top-tier score? Here’s what most students do in the last week to maximize their chances — see our Last-Minute PSAT Tips for simple, effective strategies.
8-Week PSAT Study Plan (sample)
- Weeks 1–2: Take a full-length practice test → identify weak spots.
- Weeks 3–4: Review one weak area daily (math, reading, writing). 20–30 minutes a day is better than cramming.
- Weeks 5–6: Add timed sections to build stamina. Focus on pacing.
- Weeks 7–8: Do 2–3 full-length tests under real conditions. Review every mistake carefully.
Track your study progress easily with this weekly academic planner — perfect for 8-week prep schedules.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Only doing untimed practice: You’ll feel confident, then struggle with pacing on test day.
- Cramming the week before: The PSAT tests skills you build over weeks, not memorization.
- Ignoring writing/grammar: Many students only study math — but writing is 25% of your score.
Explore what to do after getting your PSAT score.
✅ Recommended Resources for PSAT Prep (2025)
- SAT Test Preparation on Coursera — improve reading, writing, and math with flexible lessons
- SAT Practice Test Book 2025 — top-rated mock exams with detailed explanations
- These resources align with the latest PSAT/SAT format and help you practice smarter, not longer.
- Khan Academy SAT Prep (Official & Free).
- College Board PSAT practice tests (official PDFs).
- Check student tips on Reddit threads like r/SAT — tons of juniors post their study routines.
what I’ve seen work best is 20 minutes a day, not a 5-hour cram session the night before. A friend of mine jumped from a 1040 to a 1260 just by doing short daily Khan Academy quizzes.
For a structured study plan, grab this free AP study schedule maker with templates.
PSAT Percentiles & National Merit Explained
Your PSAT percentile shows how you stack up against other test-takers. A 90th percentile score means you did better than 90% of students. To qualify for National Merit, you usually need to be in the top 1–2%, but cutoffs vary by state. High PSAT scores can qualify you for National Merit and many other scholarships for high school seniors.
Expanded breakdown:
- Percentiles: These are your ranking. A 1200 might be around the 75th percentile, while a 1450 pushes you into the 99th percentile.
- Why it matters: Percentiles tell you where you stand compared to everyone else, which is how colleges and scholarship committees interpret “good.”
- National Merit angle: Here’s what most parents don’t realize — your kid could have a 1400 and still miss the cutoff in New Jersey, while the same score might easily qualify in Wyoming. National Merit is state-based, not national.
Score-to-Percentile chart
| PSAT Score | Approx. Percentile | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 1000 | ~50th | Average (half scored lower, half higher) |
| 1150 | ~70th | Above average, solid for sophomores |
| 1300 | ~88–90th | Competitive, honors program range |
| 1400 | ~96–97th | Very strong, close to National Merit |
| 1450+ | 99th | National Merit qualifying zone (varies by state) |
After the chart, drop a link: “Curious about your exact cutoff? Check the official National Merit Selection Index.
Competitive students also ask how advanced classes compare — here’s our guide on AP vs IB vs Honors vs Dual Enrollment
PSAT FAQs (Quick Answers Parents Actually Ask)
❓ Do colleges care about PSAT scores?
Not really. Colleges don’t see PSAT scores, so they don’t use them for admissions. But here’s the kicker: PSAT scores can qualify you for scholarships like National Merit, and they predict your SAT readiness — which colleges do care about.
❓ What’s the average PSAT score for 10th graders?
The average for sophomores usually falls between 920 and 1000. That means if your 10th grader scores a 1100+, they’re already ahead of most peers.
❓ What’s the difference between PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, and PSAT/NMSQT?
PSAT 8/9: For 8th and 9th graders. Practice-focused.
PSAT 10: Taken in 10th grade. Same difficulty as PSAT/NMSQT but not used for scholarships.
PSAT/NMSQT: Usually taken in 11th grade. This is the one that matters for National Merit scholarships.
❓ What is the score range for the PSAT 2025?
A: The PSAT 2025 is scored from 320 to 1520. Each section—Reading & Writing and Math—is scaled from 160 to 760, and your total score is the sum of the two. This gives students a benchmark before taking the SAT, which ranges up to 1600.
❓ What is a good PSAT score in 2025?
A: A “good” PSAT score in 2025 is typically 1210 or higher, which places you in the top 10% of test-takers. For competitive colleges or scholarships, aim for 1350+, while 1450–1520 is considered excellent and puts you among the very top students nationwide.
❓ What PSAT score is top 1%?
A: To reach the top 1% on the PSAT, you usually need a score between 1450 and 1520. The exact cutoff can shift each year, but this range consistently places students in the 99th percentile.
❓ What PSAT score do you need for National Merit Scholarship?
A: National Merit cutoffs vary by state, but most fall between 1400 and 1470 on the PSAT. Juniors who score in the top 1% in their state are recognized as Semifinalists, which can lead to scholarships.
❓ What is considered a bad PSAT score?
A: A “bad” PSAT score is relative, but anything below 920 is below average. Don’t worry though—your PSAT is a practice test. Even if you score low, it’s a chance to learn where you need to improve before the SAT.
❓What PSAT score is good for Ivy League?
A: Ivy League hopefuls usually need at least 1450+ on the PSAT to be considered competitive. While the PSAT itself doesn’t get you admitted, scoring in this range shows strong readiness for the SAT, where Ivy League schools expect scores above 1500.
❓Is the PSAT harder than the SAT?
A: No—the SAT is harder than the PSAT. The PSAT has a lower maximum score (1520 vs. 1600) and slightly easier questions. The PSAT is meant as a practice version of the SAT, helping students see where they stand before taking the real exam.
❓Is it better to guess on PSAT or leave blank?
A: Always guess on the PSAT—never leave a question blank. There’s no penalty for wrong answers, so guessing increases your odds of picking up extra points.
❓What is the average PSAT score in 2025?
A: The average PSAT score in 2025 is around 920–970. That means about half of test-takers score below this range, and half score above it.
❓How many students get a perfect 1520 on the PSAT?
A: Very few—roughly 15,000–16,000 students nationwide achieve a perfect 1520 each year. That’s about the top 1% of the 1.5 million+ students who take the test annually.
I get why parents get confused — the names sound the same. Think of it like this: 8/9 = warm-up, 10 = practice game, NMSQT = the real deal for scholarships.
Since colleges don’t weigh PSAT directly, your GPA and exams matter more — here’s a breakdown of how AP exam scoring impacts GPA.
Final Thoughts: What’s a Good PSAT Score in 2025?
At the end of the day, “good” is personal. For some kids, hitting 1200 feels like winning. For others, the bar is 1400+.
Honestly, I’d say don’t overthink it. The PSAT’s real job is to prep you for the SAT and maybe open a door to scholarships. That’s it. Focus on progress, not perfection.
Ready to move from PSAT practice to real college prep?
Start a free Coursera SAT Prep Course — self-paced lessons from expert instructors designed to boost your score.
👉 Join Coursera SAT Prep Today
👉 Want to see how your PSAT stacks up against GPA strength? Try our free GPA Calculator. It’s a quick way to see the big picture.
After the PSAT, the smartest next step is choosing the best AP classes for college credit.
See when the next SAT exams are scheduled.
After you review your PSAT score, consider which test path fits your goals best. If you plan to take the ACT, here’s the ACT registration timeline for 2025 — don’t miss the regular deadlines.
