You just got that email. The one from College Board saying your PSAT 10 scores are ready. Your heart does a little jump, you log in, and you see a number. Maybe it’s a 980. Maybe it’s a 1240. But honestly, without context, that number is basically just a random collection of digits. It doesn't tell you if you're "on track" or if you should start panicking about college apps.
The truth about good PSAT scores for 10th graders is that "good" is a moving target. It depends entirely on where you want to go and what you’re trying to prove. If you're aiming for a local state school, a 1050 might be fantastic. If you’ve got your eye on a scholarship that requires National Merit status, you're looking at a completely different stratosphere.
Let's cut through the noise.
The Math Behind the 10th Grade Score
The PSAT 10 is scored on a scale from 320 to 1520. You’ve got two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math. Each is worth 760 points. Why not 800 like the SAT? Because the PSAT is slightly easier. It lacks some of the high-level trigonometry and complex reading passages found on the "real" SAT. Therefore, the ceiling is lower.
An average score for a sophomore is usually right around 920. If you’re at a 950, you’re already ahead of half the kids in the country. That’s a win. But most students reading this aren't aiming for "average." They want to know what it takes to be competitive.
To be in the top 25% of all test-takers (the 75th percentile), you generally need a score of about 1050 to 1060. To hit the top 10% (the 90th percentile), you're looking at a 1180 or higher. If you've cracked 1250 as a sophomore, you are effectively in the top 1% to 2%. That is an elite start.
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Why Sophomore Year is Different
Don't stress too much. Seriously. 10th grade is a practice run for the practice run.
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation doesn't care about your 10th-grade scores. They only look at the PSAT/NMSQT taken in the junior year. So, if you bombed the math section because you haven't finished Algebra 2 yet, it’s fine. Most sophomores haven't. The test is designed to measure what you know now, but it’s also a diagnostic tool.
Think of this score as a baseline. It's a "before" photo in a fitness journey. You wouldn't look at a "before" photo on day one and get mad that you don't have six-pack abs yet. You use it to see where you need to put in the work.
Defining "Good" Based on Your Goals
"Good" is subjective. Let’s break it down by the type of college you might be eyeing.
For highly selective universities (the Ivy League, Stanford, MIT types), a good PSAT score for 10th graders is typically 1350 or higher. Students in this bracket are usually aiming for a 1500+ on the actual SAT by the time they apply to colleges. Starting at a 1350 as a sophomore suggests that with a little bit of polishing, that 1500 is well within reach.
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For strong public universities or well-regarded private colleges (think University of Georgia, Boston University, or UT Austin), a score between 1150 and 1250 is a very solid foundation. It shows you have the core competencies down and just need to refine your test-taking stamina.
If you’re looking at a broad range of four-year colleges, anything above a 1050 puts you in a great position to be a "standard" applicant who won't be screened out by test scores.
The National Merit Factor
Let’s talk about the big one: The National Merit Scholarship.
This is the only time the PSAT actually "matters" for something other than practice. To qualify, you have to hit a certain Selection Index score. This index is calculated by doubling your Reading and Writing scores and adding them to your Math score, then dividing by 10.
Because every state has a different qualifying cutoff, a "good" score in Wyoming might not be enough to qualify in New Jersey or California. Sophomores often use their 10th-grade PSAT results to see if they are within striking distance of that $2,500 scholarship or the prestigious "Finalist" title for their junior year. If you are scoring in the 1300s now, you are a serious contender for National Merit honors next year.
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What if Your Score Sucks?
Honestly? It happens. A lot.
Maybe you had a headache. Maybe the kid behind you was tapping their pencil for three hours. Or maybe you just haven't learned the material yet. The beauty of the PSAT 10 is that it has zero impact on your college transcript. Zero. Colleges never see this score unless you choose to send it to them (and almost nobody does).
If you're sitting there with an 850, don't spiral. Instead, look at the "Subscores" and "Cross-Test Scores" on your College Board dashboard. They'll tell you specifically if you're struggling with "Command of Evidence" or "Heart of Algebra." Use the free Khan Academy link that College Board provides. It syncs your actual missed questions and creates a custom practice plan. It's probably the most useful thing College Board has ever created.
The Reality of Test Prep
You don't need a $3,000 tutor in 10th grade. Please don't do that to yourself or your parents.
The biggest jump in scores usually happens between 10th and 11th grade simply because of brain development and curriculum. You’ll finish more math classes. You’ll read more complex books in English class. Your "good" score will naturally go up.
If you want to move the needle yourself, read more. Anything. Long-form articles, classic novels, even well-written non-fiction. The biggest hurdle for most 10th graders is the sheer volume of reading on the PSAT. If you can build up your reading stamina, your ERW score will climb without you even "studying" for the test.
Practical Steps to Move Forward
- Download your full score report. Don't just look at the big number. Look at the "Score Details" to see which specific types of questions you missed.
- Link your account to Khan Academy. It’s free and it actually works because it uses your real PSAT data to find your weaknesses.
- Check your math progress. If you missed a lot of questions in the "Passport to Advanced Math" section, it’s likely because you haven't taken those classes yet. Don't sweat it; just keep paying attention in your current math class.
- Compare your score to your target colleges. Look up the "Common Data Set" for schools you like. It will show you the mid-50% SAT scores of their freshman class. Aim to be in that range by next year.
- Relax. You have more than a year before you have to take the SAT or ACT for real. This was just a dry run. Use the data, then go back to being a sophomore.
A good PSAT score for 10th graders is simply any score that helps you understand what to do next. Whether that's a 1400 that proves you're ready for the big leagues or an 800 that shows you need to brush up on your foundations, the value is in the information, not the prestige. Take the data, make a plan, and move on.