PSAT Scores Released

On Thursday, October 16, all juniors and sophomores took the digital PSAT/NMSQT, the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Results were released on November 6, and students have access to their test scores on the College Board’s BigFuture School mobile app if they provided a cell number during exam setup. 

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

Remember, the PSAT/NMSQT is intended to help students prepare for college entrance exams, and scores have no effect on getting into college.

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 SCORE DETAILS
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 a copy upon request.

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