Resources

Is the PSAT a good predictor of my student's SAT performance?

Yes, the PSAT is a reasonable bellwether for future SAT performance, absent targeted preparation. It covers the same content but is slightly easier (with Math adjusted for grade level and less challenging vocabulary) and a bit shorter. Scores are normed by age group, meaning 10th graders taking the PSAT 10 are compared to other 10th graders, and 11th graders taking the PSAT/NMSQT are compared to other 11th graders, just as they'll be compared to juniors and seniors on the actual SAT.

If your student earned a strong score, it suggests they're in a solid starting place for the SAT. If they struggled, that's valuable information too: it may signal that the ACT is worth exploring (especially given its more generous and transparent scoring policies) or that starting SAT prep early is essential.

Why is the PSAT scored out of 1520 instead of 1600?

The PSAT uses a different scale than the SAT to reflect its slightly easier content. Don't compare your student's score directly to a perfect 1600 SAT; instead, focus on the percentile, which shows how they performed relative to their peers. That said, PSAT and SAT scores are designed to be comparable at the same score level—a 1200 on the PSAT suggests roughly a 1200-1300 on the SAT with appropriate preparation. For a more detailed concordance, you can use the conversion table provided by Top Tier Admissions.

Does a strong PSAT score mean my student should definitely take the SAT?

Not necessarily. While a strong PSAT score is encouraging, the SAT includes harder Math and more challenging vocabulary, which can create a ceiling for some students. We recommend taking a full-length official SAT and comparing it to the ACT before committing to a prep plan.

My 10th grader hasn't learned all the Math yet. How should I interpret their score?

Most sophomores will cover some of the PSAT’s key Math concepts (like advanced algebra and trigonometry) in the second semester, so content gaps are expected. For now, assess how accurately and strategically your student approached concepts they've already learned—systems, geometry, pre-algebra, and functions. This gives you a clearer picture of their test-taking skills and score potential.

My student's scores are lower than I expected. What should I do?

Start early. Top percentile scores are reachable; our students routinely achieve score improvements of multiple standard deviations through targeted prep and consistent hard work. The key is to be strategic about timing: in our prep program design, we typically plan for our students to reach 99th percentile scores by the winter or early spring of junior year, clearing the end of that year for other important assessments and adding clarity to the college process as it ramps up. For most students, to provide ample runway, that means beginning prep in spring of sophomore year or over the summer before junior year.