Does retaking the SSAT hurt your chances?

BlairParent
Thu, 11 Sep 2014 20:40:44 +0000

I think the best argument for taking the test twice is that the second time you are more acclimated to the actual test taking environment so you will be more comfortable during the process. I agree with all who say that after you get a decent score - one that fits with what you know of your own abilities - it is not productive to chase diminishing returns. I really do not think AO’s draw that much of a distinction between a few, or even 8 or 10 percentile points. The more interesting kid overall will trump scores that are a bit higher but in the same ballpark.

So many kids retake the test that I think it will only get noticed if you retake it more than twice. I don’t think taking it three times will jump out as absurd to an AO, as they more than anyone know the pressure kids and their families are under.