When to Start Preparing for the PSAT: A Timeline Backed by Benchmarks
Why the PSAT Matters
Every fall, millions of students take the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). While many think of it as just practice for the SAT, the PSAT plays a much bigger role:
It’s an early indicator of college readiness.
It helps students identify academic strengths and weaknesses.
High-scoring juniors may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which can lead to significant financial awards and opportunities.
In 2023, more than 3.5 million students took the PSAT/NMSQT, making it one of the most widely administered college-readiness exams (College Board). For students aiming to stand out, a clear and structured preparation plan is essential.
Understanding PSAT Score Benchmarks
Before mapping out a prep timeline, it’s important to know what the numbers mean:
National Average PSAT Score: Around 920–933 out of 1520 (College Board).
10th-Grade Average: Roughly 890.
11th-Grade Average: Around 980.
75th Percentile (Good Performance): About 1030 for sophomores and 1150 for juniors.
Top 10% (Strong Performance): 1210+, placing students among the highest-scoring test-takers nationwide.
National Merit Recognition: Varies by state but typically requires a score in the top 1%, which often translates to a PSAT score equivalent to 1400+.
These benchmarks help families understand where their student stands and what goals to set.
A Smart Timeline for PSAT Preparation
Spring of 9th Grade — Awareness Stage
Introduce your student to the PSAT’s structure, question types, and scoring.
Keep preparation light; focus on building familiarity, not drilling content.
Summer Before 10th Grade — Early Skill-Building
Strengthen foundational math, grammar, and reading comprehension skills.
Light practice with sample PSAT questions can build confidence and ease anxiety.
10th Grade — Establishing a Solid Foundation
Encourage consistent practice and exposure to the PSAT format.
Students should aim to score above the 10th-grade average (~890) and target 1000+ by spring.
Smart Push Academic Coaching’s boot camps help students learn pacing strategies and problem-solving techniques at this stage.
Summer Before 11th Grade — Focused Prep
Use the summer to close skill gaps and build stamina for test day.
Timed, full-length practice exams are critical to improving endurance and accuracy.
Boot camps during this period are especially effective for establishing a strong strategic foundation.
Fall of 11th Grade — The PSAT/NMSQT
The junior-year PSAT matters most for scholarship eligibility.
Students should aim to meet or exceed the 75th percentile (~1150–1160) and strive for 1210+ if aiming for top performance.
Because the test is now fully digital, practicing in a digital format is essential to simulate real testing conditions.
Why Starting Early Makes a Difference
Students who begin preparing in 10th grade tend to score significantly higher by junior year compared to those who start weeks before the test.
Early preparation builds familiarity with the exam format and reduces test anxiety.
A strong PSAT performance can guide SAT and ACT preparation by highlighting areas that need attention.
Smart Push Academic Coaching Can Help
At Smart Push Academic Coaching, we specialize in helping students maximize their PSAT, SAT, and ACT scores through virtual, focused boot camps designed for 8th to 11th graders.
Our PSAT boot camps include:
Two interactive prep days (4 hours each, 8 hours total)
Strategies tailored to the digital PSAT format
Step-by-step score improvement techniques in reading, writing, and math
Live, expert-led instruction with real-time feedback
Engaging, structured sessions that keep students focused and motivated
Take the Next Step
Seats fill quickly for our upcoming PSAT boot camps. Give your student the tools and confidence they need to succeed.
Reserve your spot today at thesmartpush.com
Let Smart Push Academic Coaching help your student start early, prepare strategically, and perform confidently on test day.