When Do PSAT Scores Come Out? Full Schedule (2023) (2024)

For school students in the United States, October means more than just Halloween and pumpkin spice lattes. It's also the month when the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is typically administered to students in 10th grade and 11th grade. And while the standardized test itself is only a few hours long, waiting for the scores can feel like an eternity.

But don't fret, PSAT scores are typically released 4 to 6 weeks after the exam is held in October!

In this article, we'll discuss the time ranges for PSAT score release and what students can expect from their scores. We'll also explore what students can do after receiving their PSAT scores and how they can use this information to prepare for the SAT and plan for college admissions.

When is the PSAT taken?

This year, PSAT/NMSQT testing may occur on a school day between the dates of October 2 and October 31, 2023.

Schools may also choose to administer the PSAT/NMSQT on Saturday, October 14, 2023. (Note: This is the only Saturday available for PSAT/NMSQT testing.)

How do you access your PSAT scores?

This year, students will receive their scores on one of two release dates: November 6 or November 16, 2023.

Some students who took the PSAT through their school may receive paper score reports from their guidance counselor or teacher.

Another option to access your scores is by viewing them on the College Board website. To do this, you need an account. But, fear not, if you don't have a College Board account, you can easily sign up for one for free!

Once you're logged into your account, navigate to the "My SAT" page where you'll see a list of all your SAT-related scores and reports. Look for your PSAT results in the list of test scores. You should see your overall score, as well as scores for each section of the exam. Click on your PSAT score report to review your detailed results. The report will show your correct and incorrect answers, your percentile rankings, and other relevant information.

What is a good PSAT score?

The PSAT score ranges from 320 to 1520 and is calculated by adding the two section scores, Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (EBRW) and Math, together for your total score. Here's a breakdown of the full range of PSAT scores:

Below Average. Scores below 920 are considered below average, as this is the midpoint of the score range. However, it's worth noting that the PSAT is typically taken by high school sophom*ores and juniors, so scores may be lower than expected for students who have not yet covered all the tested material in their coursework.
Average. The average PSAT/NMSQT score is around 1010, according to data from the College Board. This score places a student at approximately the 50th percentile of test-takers.
Above Average. Scores above 1010 are considered above average, placing a student in the top 50% of test-takers. However, to be competitive for admission to selective colleges and universities, students generally must aim higher than this.
Excellent. Scores above 1210 are considered excellent, placing a student in the top 10% of test-takers. Scorers in this range are likely to be competitive candidates for admission to selective colleges and universities.

What do you do after you receive your PSAT score results?

After receiving PSAT score results, there are several options and considerations for students.

Apply for the national merit scholarship

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation offers a scholarship program for high school students in the United States. The program is designed to recognize and reward academic achievement and potential, and to encourage students to pursue higher education.

Students who score in the top 1% of test-takers of the PSAT are named National Merit Semifinalists and are invited to apply for the National Merit Scholarship.

To become a finalist, you must meet additional requirements, including confirmation of your PSAT scores, a record of high academic performance, a recommendation from your high school principal, and satisfactory completion of the application process. Finalists are eligible for scholarship awards based on their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership abilities, and other factors.

Retake the PSAT

Students can retake the PSAT/NMSQT to improve their scores and increase their chances of qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship. However, there are some restrictions on how many times a student can take the test.

According to the College Board students may take the PSAT/NMSQT no more than three times, and no more than once per year or as high school seniors. This means that students have the opportunity to take the PSAT/NMSQT in their sophom*ore, junior, and senior years.

Retaking the PSAT/NMSQT can be beneficial for several reasons:

It allows students to identify areas of academic weakness and focus their efforts on improving those areas before taking the SAT or ACT, which are more important college admissions exams.
It gives students another chance to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship, which can provide significant financial assistance to cover the cost of college tuition.
Retaking the PSAT/NMSQT can help students build their confidence and test-taking skills, which can be valuable for future academic and career pursuits.

Prepare for the SAT test

The PSAT is essentially a benchmark on your way to the SAT, so if you're happy with your PSAT score, it's time to start preparing for the actual SAT in your junior year!

Here are some steps you can take to prepare:

Identify areas of weakness. Review the PSAT score report to identify areas where you need improvement. This can help focus your study efforts and target specific areas for improvement during test prep.
Create a study plan. It's important to create a study plan that fits your schedule and allows you to review all the necessary material before the test date. There are many resources available, such as online courses, books, and SAT practice tests.
Take practice tests. Taking practice tests can help you get comfortable with the format and timing of the SAT. It's recommended to take multiple practice tests under timed conditions to build stamina and test-taking skills.
Practice time management. The SAT is a timed test, so it's important for you to practice time management during your preparation. You should become familiar with how much time you have to complete each section, and develop strategies for pacing yourself.
Seek additional help if needed. If you are struggling with certain areas of the test or need additional support, you may benefit from seeking additional help from a tutor, teacher, or online program to help improve your SAT score.
Stay motivated. Preparing for the SAT can be a long and challenging process, so it's important for you to stay motivated and focused on your goals. Rewarding yourself for reaching milestones, staying positive, and taking care of yourself can help with motivation.

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The PSAT can be a valuable tool as you prepare for college, since a good score can give you an idea of your strengths and weaknesses.

However, it's important to remember that the PSAT is just one piece of the college application puzzle, and you should focus on maintaining a good GPA, pursuing extracurricular activities, and researching potential colleges and programs.

That's where College Rover comes in - research colleges and programs, and make a custom comparison of your favorite schools to find the best fit for your academic and personal goals.