Student learning objective:
Evaluate your PSAT scores to identify areas of strength as well as areas for potential improvement and use this data to develop an individual plan
Student digital learning objective:
Use Microsoft Copilot, Chat GPT or another large language model (LLM) to evaluate your test results and develop a short term study plan using ethical guidelines for generative AI use.
The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) is also a National Merit Scholarship Qualifying test (NMSQT).
Students with high scores might qualify for recognition as a National Merit Scholar. This recognition has three levels based upon a student's selection index:
Commended Scholars (approximately 34,000 students each year)
Semi Finalists (approximately 16,000 students each year)
Finalists (approximately 15,000 students each year)
Your eligibility is determined by your test score when you take the PSAT during your junior year. The cutoff for commended scholars is the same for all students, but each state will have its own selection index for semifinalist/finalist status.
In 2026 the cutoff off for Commended Scholars was 210
The cutoff for semifinalists in the state of Florida was 219
In order to assure that students from all states are equally represented, each state will have a selection index determined each year by the scores of the juniors who took the test in that state. This creates a range of scores for different states ranging from 212 in Oklahoma to 225 in Massachusetts.
Your selection index is your verbal score times two plus your math score, all divided by 10. You should be able to see this selection index on your PSAT score report.
- Start by downloading the college board app for your phone or logging in to your college board account to view your score report.
- There are several useful apps that you may want to use located on the Test Prep Apps page (look under the top banner for tabs that link to pages with resources for this course)
- Next, consider how you can use artificial intelligence ethically to help develop a study plan based on your results. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and LLM tools are powerful and have the potential for transformation. In education, using these tools ethically is critical for academic integrity.
- Using AI to generate content which you claim as your own is plagiarism. When another person or tool is used to create content, you can not claim it as your own.
- Using AI to replace your own thinking and analysis can leave you unable to think critically.
- AI will not be there to take the PSAT for you
- Therefore, it is important that you use it as a tool to help you plan and organize rather than to generate answers or solve problems.
🎯 AI Prompt for Students to Analyze Their PSAT Scores
Copy and paste this into your AI tool:
“I want to analyze my PSAT score report. Here are my scores, subscores, and any question‑level feedback I have. Please identify my strengths and weaknesses and explain what patterns you notice in my performance.
My PSAT Scores:
Reading & Writing: ____
Math: ____
My Subscores:
Command of Evidence: ____
Words in Context: ____
Standard English Conventions: ____
Algebra: ____
Advanced Math: ____
Problem Solving & Data Analysis: ____
Geometry/Trigonometry: ____
My Question‑Level Patterns:
Questions I missed: ____
Types of mistakes (timing, content gaps, misreading, etc.): ____
Using this information, please:
Identify my strongest skill areas and explain why they appear strong.
Identify my weakest skill areas and explain what specific patterns suggest these weaknesses.
Recommend targeted practice strategies for each weak area.
Suggest a 1–2 week study plan based on my performance.
*Explain how improving these areas could raise my overall score and Selection Index.”
Use this prompt, or one similar to it to develop your own study plan based upon your PSAT score report.
