How Much Does the PSAT Matter?

Oct 5, 2026 · @Marymichael

For college admissions, the PSAT doesn't matter at all. It matters as information, and for a small number of juniors it matters for National Merit.

Every October I get the same question from sophomore and junior parents. Should we be worried about this test? No. But you should know what it's for, because the results are more useful than most families realize.

Colleges never see the score

Students don't report PSAT scores on college applications, and colleges don't ask for them. A low score can't hurt your student. A high score doesn't promise a high SAT or an acceptance anywhere.

That takes the pressure off. Your student can walk in, do their best and treat it as a practice run under real testing conditions.

The one exception: National Merit

For juniors, the October PSAT is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Sophomore scores don't count toward it.

Semifinalists are roughly the top 1% of juniors in each state, and the qualifying score varies by state. California's is one of the highest in the country. If your junior is a very strong tester, some preparation is worth it. For everyone else, it's practice.

What the score is good for

The PSAT is the best early read on how your student handles standardized testing. It's built like the SAT, so the score report shows where they're strong, where they need work and how they manage a timed test.

That's where a testing plan starts. It doesn't mean your student should take the SAT. Some students do better on the ACT, and the only way to know is to compare the two. A practice ACT next to the PSAT results usually answers the question.

The plan also covers timing. Most students do their best testing in the spring of junior year, after more math and reading are behind them. A sophomore's score says where they are now, not where they'll finish.

For California families: don't plan around the UCs alone

The UCs and CSUs don't consider SAT or ACT scores today, and that leads many California families to skip testing. I think that's a mistake for most sophomores and juniors, for two reasons.

First, the UC policy is under review. UC's Academic Senate is due to recommend by June 2027 whether to bring back the SAT or ACT, and the Regents make the final call (Daily Bruin, LAist). Today's seniors aren't affected. Nothing is decided for younger students, but a change could reach them.

Second, most college lists go beyond the UCs. A growing number of private colleges and out-of-state public universities require scores again, and many test-optional colleges still reward a strong one.

A student with a score has options. A student without one has to hope the policies hold.

When the scores arrive

Scores come back in November. When they do, read the section breakdown, not just the total. Then look at the score next to your student's grades, their schedule for the year and the colleges they're starting to consider.

You don't need to figure any of this out in October. One test doesn't define your student or decide where they can go to college. It's a starting point.

If you'd like help turning a PSAT score into a testing plan, I offer a 30-minute meet and greet for prospective families. You can reach me at mm@ncollegecounseling.com or through newschoolcollegecounseling.com.

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