PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10 Explained
The PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10 are two early-practice college readiness assessments published by College Board. They are stepping stones in the SAT Suite of Assessments, which also includes the PSAT/NMSQT and the SAT.
PSAT 8/9: For 8th and 9th Graders
The PSAT 8/9 is the first test in the SAT Suite and is designed for students in 8th or 9th grade. Its purpose is to give students early feedback on the skills that matter for college and career readiness, while there is still plenty of time to address any gaps.
The PSAT 8/9 covers:
- Reading and Writing
- Math
Scores range from 240–1440, reported as a total score and two section scores. While this looks like an SAT score, the scales are different — do not compare directly to SAT benchmarks.
PSAT 10: For 10th Graders
The PSAT 10 covers the same content as the PSAT/NMSQT but is administered in the spring to 10th graders (while the PSAT/NMSQT is given in October to 10th and 11th graders). Scores range from 320–1520. The PSAT 10 does not qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Do PSAT Scores Matter for College Admissions?
No. PSAT scores are never sent to colleges and have no direct impact on admissions. Their value is entirely diagnostic and motivational: they show students where they stand relative to college readiness benchmarks, connect them to scholarship programs like Khan Academy’s free SAT prep, and help families start thinking about the college testing timeline early.
College Readiness Benchmarks
College Board publishes benchmark scores for each test in the suite indicating the level of performance associated with a 75% probability of earning at least a C in related college courses. If your child’s scores are below benchmark, that is a useful early signal — not an alarm, but a prompt to invest in targeted skill-building before the SAT.