When Do PSAT Scores Come Out?

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July 13, 2022
Contents
Mary
”Mary

Reviewed by:

Mary Banks

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 5/4/22

If you’re planning to take the PSAT/NMSQT this year, read on to learn when PSAT scores come out! 

The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) is an excellent way to test your skills, open the door for scholarships, and prepare for the SAT. If you’re wondering when your PSAT scores for 2022 will be released, this guide covers all the important dates. 

Read on to learn when PSAT scores come out, how to check PSAT scores, and what to do next.

When Are PSAT Scores Released?

PSAT scores are typically released about six to eight weeks after test day, meaning you should receive your scores some time in early December. The College Board released 2021 PSAT scores on December 7, so we can assume a similar timeframe for 2022.

PSAT Dates

The College Board has released PSAT dates for 2022. Here are the PSAT dates you need to know. 

2022 PSAT Dates 

There are three test days for high school to administer the PSAT:

  • Primary test day: Wednesday, October 12, 2022
  • Saturday test day: October 15, 2022
  • Alternate test day: Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Since high schools administer the PSAT individually (unlike the SAT with dedicated testing centers), your high school will decide which dates to administer the PSAT. 

PSAT Scores Release Date

While test score release dates haven’t been formally updated yet, student scores are anticipated to be released online on December 5 and 6. The College Board states that score availability “depends on the state from which students are accessing scores.”

How to Check PSAT Scores 

You should receive an email from the College Board when your scores are ready to be viewed. Even if you don’t see an email, you can log in to your College Board account when PSAT scores come out to view your score report. 

If you don’t already have an account registered with the College Board, you can sign up at any time. You’ll also use your account to eventually view your SAT scores and your AP scores (if you take AP classes).

I’ve Got My PSAT Scores: What’s Next?

Once you have your 2022 PSAT scores, there are three things you can do next: check out the National Merit Scholarship Program, the College Board’s four National Recognition Programs, and prepare for the SAT. 

Check Out the National Merit Scholarship Program

If you scored in the 99th percentile on your PSAT, you might want to learn more about the National Merit Scholarship. The National Merit Scholarship is a prize and recognition awarded to some top PSAT-scorers. 

First, approximately 50,000 top-scoring students are selected. Of these top scorers, approximately two-thirds will receive a Letter of Commendation in September, while the remaining students (approximately 16,000) move on as semifinalists. 

After semifinalists craft and submit their applications to become finalists, approximately 15,000 are selected in February. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation will select roughly half of these finalists to receive a Merit Scholarship. There are three types: 

  • The National Merit $2,500 Scholarship 
  • Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship Awards 
  • College-sponsored Merit Scholarship Awards 

If you aced the PSAT and are notified that you’re a semifinalist, you may be eligible to receive one of these awards if you meet all requirements

Check Out the College Board’s National Recognition Programs 

Although not a scholarship program, “students can include this academic honor in their college and scholarship applications.” If you score in the top 10% on the PSAT, you may be considered for one of the College Board’s four National Recognition Programs if you’re eligible:

  • National African American Recognition Program
  • National Hispanic Recognition Program
  • National Indigenous Recognition Program
  • National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program

Students who take the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or AP Exams and "identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Indigenous, or attend high school in a rural area or small town" may be eligible for these recognitions. You'll be invited to apply if you have eligible scores and provide information about your race/ethnicity and high school. 

These are the eligibility requirements for sophomore/junior students: 

  • A 3.5 GPA or higher (unweighted and weighted GPAs are considered)
  • Must have a permanent address in the U.S. (citizenship is not required)
  • Must identify as African American, Hispanic, Indigenous, or attend high school in a rural area/small town 
  • Sophomores: PSAT/NMSQT in Fall 2022 or two AP Exams in 8th or 9th grade.
  • Juniors: Must have taken the PSAT 10 in Spring 2022, the PSAT/NMSQT in Fall 2022, or two AP exams in 8th, 9th or 10th grade.

Besides scoring in the top 10% on the PSAT, you may be eligible if you score 3 or higher on two AP exams. 

Prepare for the SAT

After receiving your PSAT scores, you can convert them to the SAT scale to predict your future SAT scores. However, this is only a prediction assuming you perform at the same level with more challenging content. If you weren't happy with your PSAT score or want to ensure your SAT scores are just as high, it's time to start preparing. 

Since most students take the PSAT/NMSQT in their junior year, you can expect to take your first stab at the SAT as soon as a few months after if you don’t want to wait until the fall of your senior year. 

As such, you can start preparing for the SAT. The PSAT is an excellent practice test: it's almost identical to the SAT but with more straightforward content. When you start preparing, ask yourself: 

  • What section of the PSAT did I perform the best? 
  • What are my improvement areas based on my PSAT scores? 
  • What worked when I studied for the PSAT? 
  • What didn’t work when I studied for the PSAT? 

These questions can help you identify where to focus your studying and refine your study plan.

PSAT Scores FAQs 

Do you still have questions about when PSAT scores come out or other PSAT-related queries? Then check out these FAQs! 

1. How Soon Do You Get PSAT Results? 

You can expect to have your PSAT scores come out sometime between six and eight weeks after you do the test. PSAT scores are generally released in early December. 

2. How Can I See My PSAT Scores Early? 

Unfortunately, you can't see your PSAT score early. Despite some talk on Reddit posts about there being a glitch to see your scores earlier, this alleged glitch has been patched (if it ever worked). Your guidance counsellors and the school can see your scores about a week before you: they can't tell you your scores, though! 

3. What PSAT Score Do You Need to Get a Scholarship? 

Although you may have achieved a good PSAT score, you’ll need to score in the 99th percentile to be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship. This means your total PSAT score would have to fall somewhere between 1460 and 1520; even then, you should strive for the upper limit for your best chance at becoming a semifinalist.

4. What Is the PSAT Selection Index Score? 

The PSAT Selection Index score is calculated by doubling your individual scores in the Reading, Writing and Language, and Math sections and adding them together. The Selection Index is used to “designate groups of students to receive recognition in the National Merit Scholarship Program.”

5. What Is the Highest PSAT Selection Index Score? 

The highest possible PSAT Selection Index score is 228. 

6. How Accurate Is a Predicted SAT Score Based on My PSAT Score? 

Your predicted SAT score is somewhat accurate if you perform at the same level as you did on the PSAT. However, it's best not to rely on predictions. No prediction based on your PSAT guarantees you a stellar SAT score: you'll need to work hard and study consistently!

Final Thoughts

Although it can feel like an eternity, you'll have your 2022 PSAT scores in early December. You can either create an account or log in to view your scores through the College Board when PSAT scores come out. 

Once you have your scores, you can check out the National Merit Scholarship, see if you qualify for any of the four College Board Recognition Programs, and strategize to ace the SAT.

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When Are PSAT Scores Released?PSAT DatesHow to Check PSAT ScoresI’ve Got My PSAT Scores: What’s Next?PSAT Scores FAQs
Mary
”Mary

Reviewed by:

Mary Banks

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 5/4/22

If you’re planning to take the PSAT/NMSQT this year, read on to learn when PSAT scores come out! 

The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) is an excellent way to test your skills, open the door for scholarships, and prepare for the SAT. If you’re wondering when your PSAT scores for 2022 will be released, this guide covers all the important dates. 

Read on to learn when PSAT scores come out, how to check PSAT scores, and what to do next.

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When Are PSAT Scores Released?

PSAT scores are typically released about six to eight weeks after test day, meaning you should receive your scores some time in early December. The College Board released 2021 PSAT scores on December 7, so we can assume a similar timeframe for 2022.

PSAT Dates

The College Board has released PSAT dates for 2022. Here are the PSAT dates you need to know. 

2022 PSAT Dates 

There are three test days for high school to administer the PSAT:

Since high schools administer the PSAT individually (unlike the SAT with dedicated testing centers), your high school will decide which dates to administer the PSAT. 

PSAT Scores Release Date

While test score release dates haven’t been formally updated yet, student scores are anticipated to be released online on December 5 and 6. The College Board states that score availability “depends on the state from which students are accessing scores.”

How to Check PSAT Scores 

You should receive an email from the College Board when your scores are ready to be viewed. Even if you don’t see an email, you can log in to your College Board account when PSAT scores come out to view your score report. 

If you don’t already have an account registered with the College Board, you can sign up at any time. You’ll also use your account to eventually view your SAT scores and your AP scores (if you take AP classes).

I’ve Got My PSAT Scores: What’s Next?

Once you have your 2022 PSAT scores, there are three things you can do next: check out the National Merit Scholarship Program, the College Board’s four National Recognition Programs, and prepare for the SAT. 

Check Out the National Merit Scholarship Program

If you scored in the 99th percentile on your PSAT, you might want to learn more about the National Merit Scholarship. The National Merit Scholarship is a prize and recognition awarded to some top PSAT-scorers. 

First, approximately 50,000 top-scoring students are selected. Of these top scorers, approximately two-thirds will receive a Letter of Commendation in September, while the remaining students (approximately 16,000) move on as semifinalists. 

After semifinalists craft and submit their applications to become finalists, approximately 15,000 are selected in February. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation will select roughly half of these finalists to receive a Merit Scholarship. There are three types: 

If you aced the PSAT and are notified that you’re a semifinalist, you may be eligible to receive one of these awards if you meet all requirements

Check Out the College Board’s National Recognition Programs 

Although not a scholarship program, “students can include this academic honor in their college and scholarship applications.” If you score in the top 10% on the PSAT, you may be considered for one of the College Board’s four National Recognition Programs if you’re eligible:

Students who take the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or AP Exams and "identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Indigenous, or attend high school in a rural area or small town" may be eligible for these recognitions. You'll be invited to apply if you have eligible scores and provide information about your race/ethnicity and high school. 

These are the eligibility requirements for sophomore/junior students: 

Besides scoring in the top 10% on the PSAT, you may be eligible if you score 3 or higher on two AP exams. 

Prepare for the SAT

After receiving your PSAT scores, you can convert them to the SAT scale to predict your future SAT scores. However, this is only a prediction assuming you perform at the same level with more challenging content. If you weren't happy with your PSAT score or want to ensure your SAT scores are just as high, it's time to start preparing. 

Since most students take the PSAT/NMSQT in their junior year, you can expect to take your first stab at the SAT as soon as a few months after if you don’t want to wait until the fall of your senior year. 

As such, you can start preparing for the SAT. The PSAT is an excellent practice test: it's almost identical to the SAT but with more straightforward content. When you start preparing, ask yourself: 

These questions can help you identify where to focus your studying and refine your study plan.

PSAT Scores FAQs 

Do you still have questions about when PSAT scores come out or other PSAT-related queries? Then check out these FAQs! 

1. How Soon Do You Get PSAT Results? 

You can expect to have your PSAT scores come out sometime between six and eight weeks after you do the test. PSAT scores are generally released in early December. 

2. How Can I See My PSAT Scores Early? 

Unfortunately, you can't see your PSAT score early. Despite some talk on Reddit posts about there being a glitch to see your scores earlier, this alleged glitch has been patched (if it ever worked). Your guidance counsellors and the school can see your scores about a week before you: they can't tell you your scores, though! 

3. What PSAT Score Do You Need to Get a Scholarship? 

Although you may have achieved a good PSAT score, you’ll need to score in the 99th percentile to be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship. This means your total PSAT score would have to fall somewhere between 1460 and 1520; even then, you should strive for the upper limit for your best chance at becoming a semifinalist.

4. What Is the PSAT Selection Index Score? 

The PSAT Selection Index score is calculated by doubling your individual scores in the Reading, Writing and Language, and Math sections and adding them together. The Selection Index is used to “designate groups of students to receive recognition in the National Merit Scholarship Program.”

5. What Is the Highest PSAT Selection Index Score? 

The highest possible PSAT Selection Index score is 228. 

6. How Accurate Is a Predicted SAT Score Based on My PSAT Score? 

Your predicted SAT score is somewhat accurate if you perform at the same level as you did on the PSAT. However, it's best not to rely on predictions. No prediction based on your PSAT guarantees you a stellar SAT score: you'll need to work hard and study consistently!

Final Thoughts

Although it can feel like an eternity, you'll have your 2022 PSAT scores in early December. You can either create an account or log in to view your scores through the College Board when PSAT scores come out. 

Once you have your scores, you can check out the National Merit Scholarship, see if you qualify for any of the four College Board Recognition Programs, and strategize to ace the SAT.

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