Firstly I would like to apologize if this is in the wrong section - I just created this account and am only just learning to find my way around.
Okay so recently I took the upper level SSAT and received at 75 percentile. I was quite shocked with this as I usually received mid 80’s to low 90’s. I have a pretty consistent record of underperforming on tests and exams in school and as a result I consistently get 94-97’s in every class. My teachers are quite aware of this and know my deep passion and talent for the topics, I am on the schools math team, and history team. I also perform rigorous extra curriculars and have many accomplishments in sports and instrumentals. The school I have in mind in particular is NMH, what are my chances of getting into this school?
I apologize for the lack of intelligence that may have been typed on here, as this was a pretty rushed post. Thanks!
To be honest, many of the people here will not be able to give you a definite answer (unless someone answering is an AO of NMH or any other BS).
IMHO, the SSATs are just table stakes nowadays. It’s only one piece of your application, and the AOs will be focusing more on the essays, recommendations, etc. Your dedication will be appreciated by most schools, but your admission to places like NMH is based on whether the school needs you that particular year. I suggest you send in sport highlight videos and recordings of you playing your instrument(s) as supplemental info (if the schools allow that).
I also propose that you should look into some other threads on CC. They’ll provide you with useful information. And also, expand your net of schools! There is not a surefire chance that you will get admitted into a school, even if you think you are highly qualified (a lot of highly qualified applicants I know have been rejected from top prep schools).
@Asher2010 Don’t be discouraged. Go for it. I know of more than one such talented student (with middle to low SSAT scores) who was admitted to Andover (with GENEROUS funding). The test is but one component. Do not let it discourage you. As you know, there are many many variables in this process but I do have reason to believe that Andover, as a for instance, appreciates and recognizes music + theater talent!
You may want to meet with your school counselor to talk about this issue. Underperforming on standardized tests will matter throughout your high school career, whether you enroll in boarding school or stay in a day school.
First, on Boarding School Review, Northfield Mount Hermon’s average SSAT score is listed as 73%, so your result is slightly above the average for NMH. That means you are not likely to be overwhelmed by the academic demands, nor bored, and that it’s probably a good fit for you. So even if you don’t take the test again, the score shouldn’t hurt you.
The SSAT is only taken by students applying to private secondary schools, so it is a pool of high achievers, most of whom have had good preparation for high school, rather than a national pool.
Of course, a higher test score would help, but even so, a strong record from your current school, as well as involvement in extracurriculars and strong teacher recommendations, will be very important. If your school record were weak, higher test scores would not rescue you.