When do PSAT scores come out in 2026? For the October PSAT/NMSQT, College Board releases scores to students on one of three dates: October 22, November 5 or November 12, 2026. Which one you get depends on when your school sent in your answers, not on the day you sat the test.
PSAT score release dates for fall 2026
The fall 2026 in-school testing window runs October 1-30. College Board's schedule:
| Your school submitted answers | Scores in the educator portal | Scores available to students | Official score report PDFs for educators |
|---|---|---|---|
| By Oct 9, 2026 | Oct 20 | Oct 22 | Oct 28 |
| By Oct 23, 2026 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 11 |
| By Oct 30, 2026 | Nov 10 | Nov 12 | Nov 18 |
Two exceptions to watch for:
- State testing programs. If your state gives the PSAT/NMSQT as part of its own testing program, College Board says to check with the state for release timing.
- Your school sees scores first. Educators get scores in the K-12 reporting portal two days before students, and the downloadable PDF score report about a week after that. Your counselor may be able to tell you your school's date.
How to see your PSAT score
- The BigFuture School app shows scores to U.S. students 13 and older who gave a mobile number during testing, and texts you when they're ready.
- A personal College Board account at studentscores.collegeboard.org (13 and older) has the scores plus extra percentiles by country and state.
- Your school gets a PDF called Your Score Report for every student, which it can print and share, including for students under 13.
What to look for on your score report
- Total score (320-1520) and two section scores (160-760 each). See what counts as a good PSAT score for how to read them.
- Your NMSC Selection Index (48-228). That's the number National Merit uses, not your total score. The Selection Index calculator compares it against last year's cutoff in your state.
- The NMSC section. It says whether your Selection Index will be considered for the 2028 National Merit program. An asterisk next to your Selection Index means it won't be, either because your entry answers didn't meet requirements or because your score is for guidance only. If that's a mistake, you can correct your record with NMSC -- see which PSAT counts for National Merit.
What happens after scores come out
Your score doesn't make you a Semifinalist or a Commended Student by itself. NMSC ranks every entrant and sets the cutoffs later: Commended Students and Semifinalists for the Class of 2028 will be named in September 2027. Until then, the best you can do is compare your Selection Index with last year's cutoff in your state and allow a couple of points either way.
One deadline comes much sooner. If you felt the test went badly and don't want NMSC to use your Selection Index at all, NMSC must hear from you within five days of your test -- long before you see your score.