When do PSAT/NMSQT Scores Come Out and What's Next?

October 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT^®) scores will be available online by December 6, 2022.

See the PSAT/NMSQT release schedule.

How Do I View My PSAT/NMSQT Scores?

Once your PSAT/NMSQT scores are released, you’ll be able to access them through your College Board online account. If you don’t have a College Board account yet, (and you are at least 13 years old) it’s easy to create one. Complete the simple 3-part form on our website:

1. Provide your general information

2. Choose your username, password and a security question

3. Add your personal mailing address

If there’s any chance you have already created a College Board account, don’t make a new one. Multiple accounts can make it difficult to get your PSAT/NMSQT score, and other important information. Instead, retrieve your credentials by using our Forgot Username or Forgot Password tools.

Once you have an account, log in to student score reports to see your PSAT/NMSQT score report and scores for any other tests you've taken in the SAT Suite of Assessments (PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, and the SAT).

Watch this video for more help on accessing your PSAT/NMSQT score report:

Need Help Getting Your PSAT/NMSQT Scores?

Nearly all PSAT/NMSQT scores are posted around the same time but if you don’t see your score, you should see an on-screen message telling you to check back later.

If a few days have passed since your score should have posted, you haven't received an email notification informing you that there is a delay with your score, and you don't see the "check back later" on screen message, don’t worry — your score hasn’t been lost.  Call College Board customer service at 866-433-7728 or email us at [email protected].

What Do Your PSAT/NMSQT Scores Mean?

The PSAT/NMSQT is scored between 320 and 1520 points. Your total score will be the result of adding your Math section score, worth 160-760 points, and a combination of your Reading section and Writing and Language section scores, also worth 160-760 points.

Please watch this tutorial on how to understand your PSAT/NMSQT score report:

If you're thinking, “But isn’t a 1600 a perfect score for the SAT?” Yes, that’s right. The PSAT/NMSQT is similar to the SAT, but not the same, and measures your skills in a way that makes sense for your grade level. As a result, the score range for the PSAT/NMSQT is slightly different.

You should think of your PSAT/NMSQT score as a benchmark and assume that your actual SAT score will be a few points above or below that benchmark. For example, a PSAT/NMSQT score of 1200 is a good indication that you’re likely to score close to a 1200 on the SAT. However, since the tests are not equal, a perfect score of 1520 on the PSAT/NMSQT doesn't mean that you'll have a perfect 1600 on the SAT.

To help you identify areas you need to focus on when studying for the SAT, the PSAT/NMSQT score report will also give you three subscores. One for Reading, one for Writing and Language, and one for Math. These scores range from 8 - 38.

Additionally, your PSAT/NMSQT score report will give you an NMSC Selection Index score, which is used by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) as an initial screen of 1.6 million test takers (usually high school juniors) who meet requirements to enter the National Merit^® Scholarship Program. The Selection Index score is double the sum of your three section scores.

What Are the Benefits of a PSAT/NMSQT Score?

- Your PSAT/NMSQT score demonstrates how prepared you are for the SAT and helps you create a path for growth with a personalized SAT study plan through Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy.

- Your PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index score could help you qualify for recognition in the National Merit Scholarship Program. If your PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index score ranks you among the 50,000 high scorers who qualify for program recognition, you will be notified through your school next September. For more information about the National Merit Scholarship Program, entry requirements, program recognition, and scholarships offered, go to www.nationalmerit.org.

- The PSAT/NMSQT is also used by 19 other scholarship providers to identify potential scholarship recipients. If you said “yes” to the free Student Search Service® when you took the test, (or opted in since then) you can help those partners find you. These scholarship partners, like the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and Hispanic Scholarship Fund, offer over $300 million annually in scholarships. If you qualify, you’ll be invited to apply for scholarships in the fall of your senior year. View our list of partners.

- Your PSAT/NMSQT scores can help you see how your performance aligns to the skills you need across 1,000 careers in BigFuture Career Search. With the Career Readiness Indicator, you can get more personalized understanding of potential career options and insights to help you plan for your future. Learn more at BigFuture.org/explore-careers.

What’s Next After I Get My PSAT/NMSQT Scores?

1. Create an account on Khan Academy and link your scores to get a free personalized SAT practice plan. Building your skills on Official SAT Practice will ensure you’re confident when you take the SAT and help you achieve your best score.

2. Check your potential for Advanced Placement® courses. Taking challenging courses like AP is a great way to prepare for college. Based on your scores, you may see a list of AP courses you'd do well in. Talk to your school counselor about AP courses available at your school and if they may be a good fit for you.

3. Plan your future your way by visting BigFuture. You can use your test score to get personalized guidance as you plan for life after high school. You can:

- Find careers that match your interests and skills, including how your scores align to over 1,000 occupations through the Career Readiness indicator, and save a list of your favorites.

- Explore potential 2-year and 4-year colleges, learn about admission requirements, and save them to a list.

- Match with potential scholarships based on your background.

- Unlock a personalized dashboard to guide you as you plan for life after high school.