PSAT Scores 2016: How To Find Results Online And Understand Them

With the PSATs in the rear view mirror, test-takers are probably wondering where and when to access score results. While the test scores won’t affect future college admission, they can be helpful in determining how to best prepare for the upcoming SATs. Here’s how to find and make sense of those numbers.

Test results are available for students to view online beginning Dec. 12. By signing into the College Board website at psat.org/scorereport with the username and password used to sign up for the test, test-takers can see how they scored.

The total score number represents your results from all sections of the test combined. An overall score of 1210 to 1520 puts you in the top 10 percent of test takers. Anywhere in between those numbers is considered a top score. Competitive scores range from 1070 to 1200 and scores between 950 and 1060 are considered average.

That’s a cut and dry way of looking at it. PSAT — or Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test — scores can also tell you what, specifically, to prepare for before taking the SATs. By looking at individual test scores for reading/writing and math, test-takers can determine which areas need to be brushed up on.

The scores website will show these sub-scores next to a green, yellow, or red box. Green scores mean a strong performance in that area. Scores in yellow mean test-takers are approaching where they need to be and scores in red show areas that need the most work.

The College Board scores website goes beyond the numbers to give a more detailed and helpful analysis of your scores, including recommendations for advanced placement classes and specific types of questions you may want to work on.

A strong PSAT score could mean eligibility for a scholarship. That can be figured out through scores, also. By clicking on the NMSC (National Merit Scholarship) tab, test-takers can tell if their scores meet the eligibility requirements.