Low SSAT scores, still get into Exeter???

dejong06 · 11-05-2009, 10:13 AM

My daughter is currently in the 8th grade and only recieved 78% on her SSATs. She is planning to take them again with hopes of improving to at least 85%. Otherwise she is a strong candidate for prep school, what are her chances of getting into Exeter given her background below?

Background: A to A+ grades 5-8 grade
Accelerated math classes 5-8, currently 94% in Algebra II (9th gr. level)
ETS (Educational talent search) participant 3 years
767/780 Reading & 762/780 Math for NECAP testing
(New England Common Assessment Program)
1st place Continental Math League 5th grade
Outstanding Leadership Award 7th grade
Student council 7th & 8th grade
Yearbook staff 7th & 8th grade (editor 8th)
Soccer 9 years some dual rostering
(Club 3yrs, , school 2 yrs, town travel 5yrs, rec. 2yrs)
Saxophone 3 years
Interview went well
Sister currently attends Exeter

Parlabane · 11-05-2009, 11:40 AM

She actually sounds like a good candidate for some outside tutoring on the SSAT. Exeter admits plenty of kids with SSAT's in the mid 80's. She looks strong elsewhere and has a sister in attendance, who is hopefully a good student. If she interviews well and can notch a modest increase in the testing scores, I think she'd be squarely in the hunt.

Obviously · 11-06-2009, 11:24 AM

I agree with Parlabane. Your daughter seems very well rounded, and being a legacy may increase her chances a bit. Don't worry too, too much about the SSATs, I have met kids with scores in 70th percentile at HADES. However, that's the exception, not the rule. If she can get her score up at least into around the 80th percentile, that'd be good. In my opinion, SSATs don't really matter much, they're just sort of a "cutoff" to make sure the kid can do the work. Essays and interviews matter a lot, so hopefully she'll ace them.
She has a chance, good luck!

3x3t3r · 11-11-2009, 05:21 PM

i thought legacies were only next generation, not bros or sisters

abiskinner · 11-20-2009, 08:41 PM

so it someone gets straight A's, good interviews, good apps, and everything, but slightly low but not too low SSAT's they should be fine?

wickedcrazy · 11-20-2009, 10:28 PM

I think so. My sibling just graduated from exeter and said it is arguably the best school with the lowest regard for test scores. She knew kids who were 99 in something and 13 in something else. SSAT, for exeter, she said, is last.