Parents FAQs: Getting Ready Academically
FAQ
How are the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT related?
The SAT Suite of Assessments is made up of the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9. Each test measures the same knowledge and skills for different grade levels, from grades 8–12. The tests use a common score scale, so educators and students get consistent feedback to help monitor growth across grades and find areas in need of improvement. Learn more about the score structure.
What score does my child need to get on the PSAT/NMSQT Math Test to do well on the SAT?
The PSAT/NMSQT and the SAT share a common score scale. This means that a PSAT/NMSQT Math score of 500 is similar to an SAT Math score of 500. However, the definition of "doing well on the SAT" varies depending on which colleges your child applies to and what else their applications say about them. Read more about good SAT scores.
Where can my child get their PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or PSAT 8/9 scores?
Students can get their scores for all PSAT-related assessments by logging into Student Score Reports with the username and password they use for their College Board account. If they don’t have an account, it’s easy to create one.
PSAT/NMSQT scores will be available in December. PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10 scores should be available about 4–6 weeks after test day.
When will my child's test scores be available?
Scores for the SAT are generally available 2–3 weeks after the test administration date.
Scores for the PSAT/NMSQT, which students take in October, should be available in December. See when scores will be released in your state.
Students will receive an email at the address associated with their College Board account when their scores are available.
If my child opts into Student Search Service, will colleges get their PSAT/NMSQT scores?
No, colleges won't receive your child's actual test scores. By opting into Student Search Service, your child is allowing us to share the information they provide on the student data questionnaire and on our website, BigFuture, with colleges and universities. They use this data to send your child information about their institution. Please note that we never share the following:
- Disability status
- Self-reported parental income
- Social Security number
- Phone numbers
- Actual test scores