Does retaking the SSAT hurt your chances?

Nwbddad
Wed, 27 Aug 2014 14:15:22 +0000

Yes, retake at least once if you are not really happy with your scores. You will benefit from the prior experience.
Yes, take a prep course. This is really not up for debate anymore, particularly as these are graded on a curve and prep courses are ubiquitous online. It doesn’t have to be Kaplan’s 4-month prep course, but do something to help you prepare.
AO’s look at everything, including but not limited to test scores. If all your scores are in the 85-95% range, you’re probably in the top of the bell curve for the qualified students applying and so it probably won’t move the needle other than to check off that box on their list. But if you have a 96-99%, or if you have a couple of 9 stanines on the ISEE, it will make a very positive impression.


So I disagree with SevenDad’s comment that taking it again to get a very high score is a waste of time and money. If you have the time and money, then it’s worth a shot. So little separates applicants from each other that it’s not a waste of time to attempt to stand out.

I do agree it’s not worth it to take it more than twice. After that, seriously diminishing returns.