<p>I'm a sophomore and I just got my PSAT scores back. I got a 171, and I'm kind of stressed. I really don't feel like the PSAT/SAT is very important to me, but my parents stress about it. They want me to get National Achievement, and have an SAT score of at least 2100. I did better than most kids in my state or whatever, but what really bothers me is that I got 168 last year as a freshman. I came from a public school, and now go to a rigorous private school. The average student is supposed to raise 100 points each year, so I should have had at least a 178, right? I ONLY GAINED 2 POINTS! Does this mean I didn't learn anything, or give me any hope for raising my score 40 points and getting a 210 next year? I didn't really study specifically for the test for more than maybe an hour or so. I feel like a failure. How is 171 as a score as a sophomore, and what steps must I take to get a 210 next year?</p>
<p>Don’t stress out about it too much. A 171 is by no means a poor score for a Sophomore. I received a lower score on the PSAT as a Sophomore than you did but was able to get a 212 the following year.</p>
<p>As far as the small improvement is concerned, sometimes that’s just what happens. I have friends who got the same exact score when testing in the subsequent year, but still got National Merit.</p>
<p>If you really want to raise your score, just keep practicing and you should get there. Studying vocabulary is a sure way you can raise your score; I would also take a look at some of the SAT tips posted on here if you haven’t already.</p>
<p>I would just study for the SAT and continue to take practice tests. With that, you should see improvement in your PSAT score and you will be more prepared for the SAT when that comes around. As long as you use your time wisely, stay focused, and think through the questions during the test, I believe you will be fine come junior year.</p>
<p>I am not a good example because I didn’t study very hard between the PSATs, but my friend went from a 180 to a 231. It is easily possible you just need to work at it.</p>