The PSAT is used as a preparation exam for the SAT. If you scored bad on the PSAT, it really is not a big deal. You can use your poor score as motivation to learn and study harder in preparation for the SAT. The only downfall of scoring poorly on the PSAT is that you will not qualify for any National Merit Scholarships. It is important to remember that the PSAT is not used by colleges in the admissions process.