PSAT/NMSQT Scores Explained

On October 16, FWCD sophomores and juniors took the PSAT/NMSQT. Results were released online on November 7, and students have access to their test scores on their personal College Board account at psat.org/myscore. 

The PSAT/NMSQT and the SAT are very similar tests, so FWCD’s students’ scores on the PSAT/NMSQT are a good indication of their future performance on the SAT.

On their score report, students can view the four scores available from their PSAT/NMSQT assessment — total score, Reading and Writing section score, Math section score, and National Merit Scholarship Corporation Selection Index score. For each score, the official score report includes Score Summary, Knowledge and Skills, and NMSC Selection Index. 

SCORE SUMMARY
All possible scores:

• 320-1520 for total score
• 160-760 for section scores
• 48-228 for the NMSC Selection Index score

Student’s Score Range: This range shows how much a student’s scores would likely vary if they took a different administration of the test under identical conditions. From recent administrations of the PSAT/NMSQT, these ranges are approximately:

• Total: ± 40 points
• Section: ± 30 points

The All-Tester Percentile (formally called the “User Percentile”) of each score: For example, if a student’s score is in the 70th percentile, 70% of a comparison group achieved scores at or below that student’s score.

All-Tester Percentiles are based on the actual scores of the past three cohorts of students in their grade who took the PSAT/NMSQT.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
In the Knowledge and Skills section of the score report, the student will see a graphic that shows their performance on each of the eight content areas measured on the PSAT/NMSQT. There are four content areas in Reading and Writing and four in Math.

For each content area, you’ll see:

• The approximate number of questions in the content area.
• The percentage of the section covered by that area (e.g., 12-14 questions would be about 26% of the Reading and Writing section).
• A visual indication of how the student performed in each content area

This section helps identify content areas students may want to focus on to practice and improve.

NMSC SELECTION INDEX
National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) uses NMSC Selection Index scores to screen juniors who enter its scholarship programs. The Selection Index score is reported on a scale ranging from 48 to 228. To calculate an NMSC Selection Index score, double the Reading and Writing Score, add it to the Math score, and divide that sum by 10.

After reviewing their Selection Index score, juniors can read more information about their eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program and how scholarship recipients are determined by NMSC.

If students cannot access their PSAT/NMSQT score report online, the College Counselors can provide them with a copy of their score report upon request.

For additional information, students and families can access the College Board’s Understanding Scores document here.