How is the PSAT scored?

Each correct answer on the PSAT counts as one point toward your raw score. Remember, there’s no penalty for guessing on the PSAT, so answer every multiple-choice question even if you have to guess. Next, your raw score will be converted to your scaled score. This scaled score will range from 160 to 760 for each section, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math (there is no essay on the PSAT). Your composite score is the combination of this scaled score from each section, so your composite score will range from 320 to 1520.

You will also be shown two percentile ranks comparing you to other students in your grade. These percentiles show how well you did compared to other test takers. If you scored in the 72nd percentile, for example, you did better than 72% of all test takers. The Nationally Representative Sample percentile score compares your scores to those of typical U.S. students in your grade (whether or not they’ve taken the PSAT), and the User Percentile—National percentile score compares your scores to those of typical U.S. PSAT test takers in your grade. Ask your counselor for more information about percentiles or anything else on your PSAT score report.