If you're a U.S. high school student looking to get into top colleges or want to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship, you've likely heard of the PSAT exam. But have you ever asked yourself, what is the highest PSAT score? Knowing how the Preliminary SAT is scored and what it takes to get the highest score can significantly help your academic career. Whether you're looking for a top score or simply want to improve, this guide demystifies all you need to know about the PSAT highest score, its calculation, and why it matters.

What is the PSAT?

The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) is a standardized test that prepares you for the SAT and is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSP). The College Board offers the PSAT, typically taken by high school sophomores and juniors. Since most students focus on the PSAT/NMSQT in 11th grade, that's the version we'll focus on here. There are three forms of the Preliminary SAT:

• PSAT 8/9: For 8th and 9th graders.
• PSAT 10: For 10th graders (not qualifying for NMSP).
• PSAT/NMSQT: This is for 11th graders and is used to determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship.

Understanding the PSAT Max Score

The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) is an excellent practice test for the SAT and aids in qualifying students for the National Merit Scholarship Program. The Preliminary SAT has a scoring range of 320 to 1520, with the possible PSAT highest score being 1520. There are two parts of the PSAT, which are scored separately:

• Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW)
• Math

The PSAT/NMSQT is divided into two sections: (1) Reading and Writing and (2) Math. Like all tests within the SAT Suite of Assessments, it employs multistage adaptive testing. Each section is made up of two equal-length, timed modules. Your PSAT score guide in the first module determines the difficulty level of questions on the second module.

• The higher your PSAT score, the higher your chances of earning scholarship money, which is an essential step in your educational career.

• Early in September 2025, approximately one-third of the highest-scoring 50,000 will be notified that they have qualified as Semifinalists, the top students in each state. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) will inform them by mail to their schools and send them extensive scholarship application information. These materials will explain the steps and requirements to continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, which will be awarded in 2026.

How Is the PSAT/NMSQT Scored?

The PSAT/NMSQT applies adaptive testing and item response theory (IRT) to give reliable results. Your PSAT max score is determined by the number of correct responses and considerations such as question difficulty and response patterns. Every test has a standardized set of questions to ensure equitable student assessment. Guessing is welcome if you're not sure, since there is no penalty for wrong answers.

Score Details:

• Section Scores: Reading and Writing (RW) and Math (M) sections, each range from 160 to 760.
• Total Score: Sum of the section scores, ranging from 320 to 1520.
• Selection Index Score: Calculated as (2RW + M) ÷ 10, with a range of 48 to 228.

What is the highest score on the PSAT?

The highest score in PSAT/NMSQT is 1520. The Preliminary SAT is scored on a scale of 320 to 1520. If you score a perfect 1520 on both sections, congratulations are in order. Remember, though, that the max score on PSAT is a hair lower than the SAT's 1600. This score is a combination of two section scores:

• Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW): Ranges from 160 to 760.
• Math: Ranges from 160 to 760.

Factors to Consider for Scoring the PSAT

The scoring process for the Preliminary SAT is reasonably straightforward, and there are a couple of key steps to it. Learning these steps will let you know where to aim your sights and how to get the highest scores on the PSAT.

1. Raw Score Conversion

For each correct answer, you get 1 point. None or incorrect answers do not count against you, so it is always better to guess if unsure. The raw total score is then transformed into a scaled score through a process that considers the test's difficulty. This process ensures test equations across different versions of the test.

2. Section Scores

Your raw score is converted to a scaled score for each section—ERW and Math. These range from 160 to 760 as the max score on the PSAT. These two section scores provide your total PSAT highest score, from 320 to 1520.

3. Total Score

Discover the highest score in PSAT, how it's calculated, and tips to achieve a perfect 1520. Learn how excelling on the Preliminary SAT can boost your SAT prep and qualify you for scholarships. Your two section scores are added together, resulting in a total score ranging from 320 to 1520.

What Does It Take to Get a Perfect 1520?

Getting the highest score on the PSAT is not simple, but it is possible with proper preparation. Here's what it requires:

• Mastering Core Concepts: You must possess good algebra, problem-solving, grammatical rules, reading comprehension, and analytical ability.

• Mastering Time Management: Being a timed exam, time is of the essence. Practicing with timed sample tests will equip you with better time management.

• Eliminating Errors: To achieve 1520, you must err as little as possible. Just a few little mistakes can make you miss achieving a perfect score.

• Strategic Guessing: If you don't know an answer, guess based on what you think is a good answer. Because there are no penalties for incorrect answers, not answering a question means missing out on points.

Why Is Your PSAT Score Important?

Why do I need to be so concerned with my PSAT max score? The answer is: there are some pretty significant reasons:

1. National Merit Scholarship Qualification

You can become a National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSP) qualifier if you wish to achieve a perfect or near-perfect score. Each year, the top 1% of PSAT/NMSQT test-takers in each state are chosen as Semifinalists. Approximately 15,000 of these are selected as Finalists, and about 7,500 receive scholarships. To be considered a National Merit Semifinalist, you'll generally need to score in the 99th percentile for your state. This can range from state to state but is usually between 1400 and 1520.

2. SAT Preparation

The Preliminary SAT exam is very similar to the SAT, so performing well on the PSAT typically means doing well on the SAT. If you test well on the Preliminary SAT, you will better understand the SAT and where you should concentrate your efforts.

• College Readiness

A max score on the PSAT signals to colleges that you're academically prepared for college-level work. While Preliminary SAT scores aren't sent to colleges, they can boost confidence and help guide your SAT prep.

What is a Good PSAT Score?

If you're not seeking a perfect score but wish to perform well, you may wonder what is considered a "good" PSAT score.

• Top 1%: 1400–1520 (National Merit consideration)
• Excellent: 1200–1390 (Extremely competitive for most colleges)
• Good: 1000–1190 (Above average, good foundation for SAT)
• Average: 920–990 (Most students will score within this range)

When Do PSAT Scores Come Out?

• PSAT/NMSQT scores are typically released in December for students who take the test in October.
• The College Board usually provides scores a few weeks after the test date.
• Students can access their PSAT scores by logging into their College Board account.
• If a mobile number was provided during registration, students will receive a text message with instructions on accessing their scores via the BigFuture School app.
• Alternatively, students can ask their school counselor for a copy of the score report.
• Exact release dates can vary by state and school district, so you should check with your school or the College Board for specific details.

What PSAT Score Do You Need to Become a National Merit Scholarship Finalist?

To qualify for National Merit Finalist status, students must first achieve Semifinalist standing by meeting their state's Selection Index cutoff. These cutoffs vary annually and by state, reflecting each state's top 0.5% of test-takers. Once designated as Semifinalists, students must fulfill additional requirements to advance to Finalist status.

Requirements to Become a National Merit Finalist

1. Confirm PSAT Performance:
   • Take the SAT and earn scores that confirm the PSAT/NMSQT performance that resulted in a Semifinalist
2. Maintain High Academic Performance:
   • Have a record of consistently very high academic performance in grades 9 through 12 and in any college coursework taken.
3. Complete the National Merit Scholarship Application:
   • Submit the application, which includes writing an essay and providing information about extracurricular activities, awards, and leadership roles.
4. Obtain High School Endorsement:
   • Be fully endorsed for Finalist standing and recommended for a National Merit Scholarship by the high school principal.

Approximately 95% of Semifinalists advance to Finalist status, receiving a Certificate of Merit attesting to their distinguished performance in the competition.

For detailed information on becoming a National Merit Finalist, refer to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation's official guide.

Final Thoughts

Scoring a maximum of 1520 on the PSAT, the highest possible PSAT score, is challenging but achievable with commitment and proper strategies. What you desire may not necessarily be college readiness or winning the National Merit Scholarship -- to perform better on the SAT -- but no other score certifies success with such certainty. Be dedicated, practice regularly, and take the test confidently. By aiming for the highest score on the PSAT, you will set yourself up for greater success on the SAT and beyond. So, take that leap and ace that Preliminary SAT as you have got this.