<p>Both my SSAT and ISEE scores are terribly low, below par, and very mediocre. Initially, I told myself not to worry too much about it, considering the adcom (admissions committee) will look at my “application as a whole”. Then I started looking through a few threads regarding low SSAT scores. I realized that since my grades (I have a 3.3 GPA) and scores are low and I don’t play any type of sport or instrument, I will be put a definite disadvantage. Here are my most recent ISEE scores:</p>
<p>Verbal: 89%
Reading: 47%
Quantitative Comparison: 18%
Math Achievement: 16%</p>
<p>I’m applying to 8 schools (NMH, Peddie, Concord, Westminster, Dana Hall, Emma Willard, Mercersburg, and Lawrenceville). Do you think that my scores and grades will hinder my application that much? Also, do you think that I will be rejected at the majority of these schools? Unfortunately, I do…</p>
<p>Also, should I send a letter to an admission counselor at each of the schools explaining my low scores (I’ve already talked about my low grades in almost every interview)? Or is that a waste of time?</p>
<ol>
<li>no one can say what your chances will be at these schools. Some buck the trend and take a few students they think have potential but don’t fit the profile. But it depends on the circumstances and the student. Scores are not everything - but a combination of low scores and average grades may make the path more difficult since the schools are looking for some indication that you can do the work once enrolled. Your teacher and school recommendations will help provide some perspective on your work habits. </li>
</ol>
<p>You won’t know until March 10th whether schools see the potential in you. The results may surprise you. But if not, know that a lot of students with high scores and perfect grades also get declined as well.</p>
<p>Also, many students don’t play a sport or an instrument. You can’t use the threads on the board to determine what a “perfect” candidate looks like. There isn’t any one profile of a student that is more popular than another. Just be yourself. </p>
<ol>
<li>No. Don’t draw more attention to the weakness. It’s a waste of time. Play to your strengths and hope that shines through. At this point there is nothing you can do now, but wait.</li>
</ol>
<p>How do you explain the low scores? My understanding is that they were low on both the ISEE and the SSAT. It appears that the greatest deficiency is in math. Did you run out of time on the reading sections? The ability to read quickly and effectively is very important at schools where you will be getting most of your course content from assigned readings.</p>
<p>Often, kids don’t fully appreciate how high the level of instruction is at these schools. Students who scored in the 90s on the SSAT often struggle with the academics at first. I think that you should really ask yourself if you are likely to be successful if admitted. I don’t know anything about you as a student or person so it’s hard to make any predictions. But when I see 16th percentile in math achievement, I wonder if you’ll be able to handle even the most basic math courses.</p>
<p>I’m sorry if I appear like a downer. I’m really not trying to be discouraging. Your scores certainly don’t mean you’re stupid or anything so don’t begin to think that for a second! It could just mean that you have had really poor math instruction. If you’re in a public district that is a slave to the state test, I can totally understand why you wouldn’t have the math background for these tests. Our home district is this way and if I didn’t spend a good deal of time at home explaining the concepts behind the procedures the school instructs them to blindly follow, my kids wouldn’t be able to do much better.</p>
<p>So all that may “explain” the low test scores but does it really change anything? The schools need to know that you can be successful. I’m sorry, but these scores aren’t just “very mediocre,” they are far far below mediocre.</p>
<p>If you do get a shot at one of these schools, promise me that you’ll do some serious work on math this summer. I’d suggest starting with Singapore math level 4 and working up from there, or better yet - go to Khan Academy and start from the very beginning.</p>
<p>Nobody can say what anyone’s chances really are, how you interview, what your grades/recs look like are important. Regarding the math I strongly suggest signing up for a course at <a href=“http://www.artofproblemsolving%5B/url%5D”>www.artofproblemsolving</a> dot com. Their classes are very good and the credit for the classes can be transferred into the public schools, or at least in our district they can. Good luck with whatever happens, work on your math regardless of March 10th, you can always reapply for the following year if you don’t get into your choice school, just brush up through these courses on what you are missing. If you do get into your choice school you are going to need to be brought up to speed regardless.</p>
<p>ExieMITAlum: I wasn’t necessarily asking for you to chance me at any particular school (I know that you can’t * really * do that). The question was really more like “Will I be able to get in * anywhere * given my scores?”</p>
<p>Neatoburrito: It seems like you are essentially saying, that even if I do get admitted, given my test scores, I may not be successful. I’m not sure if you can determine how successful I will be in school, solely by my standardized test scores. Yes, I’m currently in a public school system. I did a summer math course last year and the year prior to that. I’m also planning to take one this year. </p>
<p>From what you both have basically told me, I gather, that the majority of the letters I will be receiving will be rejections. I know ExieMITAlum, said that I still may get in, considering sometimes the “some buck the trend and take a few students they think have potential but don’t fit the profile”, but I doubt that will happen for me. Especially because, I’m applying for 10th grade, I don’t have any particular hook, I don’t play sports or an instrument, and I come from a over-represented state. Go Figure! </p>
<ul>
<li><p>The fact that you did not focus exclusively on the most selective schools is something that should work in your favor.</p></li>
<li><p>California isn’t necessarily over-represented at East Coast Schools.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>starkali, you are absolutely correct…I cannot know how successful you would be given only your test scores. I don’t know what your grades are like, but you have hinted that they are not as high as you would like for them to be. My advice to you is to focus on changing it instead of explaining it.</p>
<p>I do think there may be readiness issues, however. The SSAT and ISEE don’t really go beyond pre-algebra and coming in as a new 10th grader, you would be expected to already have a firm grasp of algebra in order to go in to geometry. So I repeat, if you do get an offer (and I hope you do!!), find some help with math so that you are not behind. </p>
<p>Curious, what course did you do last summer?</p>
<p>Neatoburrito: My grades in middle school weren’t “as high as I would have liked for them to be” (I had anywhere from a 2.5- 2.8 each semester). However, I was able to completely turn my grades around this year. My counselor sent in my quarter grades (3.3 GPA) to all of the schools, but my semester grades were much better (I had a 3.6 GPA). I took an Algebra course at my local community college.</p>
<p>I know you weren’t asking for a “chance.” It was a poor choice of words on my part. I meant it terms of we can’t predict because the admissions these past few years has been unpredictable. And they’ll notice that your grades are improving and take that into account.</p>
<p>Also, my oldest daughter went to a school that graded on a harsh curve - anything below a 70 was an “F” so a 2.6 might actually be in the “80’s”. A b+ was a 92. So it depends on the scale your school uses. If it’s a harder scale the school may convert to numerics to do a proper comparison.</p>
<p>Schools know that not all bright students do well on standardized tests. It’s an artificial environment (answering questions under a tight time limit). But it’s the combination of the scores and the grades that will cause them to pause. The coursework at boarding schools is pretty hard and a lot of students with straight A’s get on campus and struggle with the increased academic demands. </p>
<p>So - I never say never because schools often surprise me and choose a non-traditional candidate they think will flourish. Easier at 9th grade than tenth grade (school has time to shape the student) but not unheard of at 10th grade.</p>
<p>So at this point, don’t worry about what you can’t change. And don’t call the schools because it will look like making excuses. Just try to turn your attention to positive thoughts. The wait is a killer for everyone and the stress of wondering isn’t worth it. Just hope for the best, and if it’s not what you hoped, you tried. Right? A lot of people don’t even make it that far. If you get in, we’ll celebrate with you.</p>
<p>Starkali, you’re still in the running, especially if you interview well. Also, hope for the best and that your teachers provided some nice recs that could possibly explain grades or scores. Try not to worry too much. A lot depends too on the candidate pool at each of the schools. You may be pleasantly surprised on March 10. My best advice to you is to keep your fingers crossed and stay positive.</p>
<p>Can some help us understand my son’s scores. He have scaled scores and percentile rank scores. VR-25% RC-24% QR-11% MA-19% 869vr, 869 rc 859 qr 870ma. Of course we are coming from the public sector and its true they only care about state test. He does have a IEP in place Math, Science and English. Of course I blame this partly on the public schools. He is the 10th grade and they still deny they did not teach him. So I have decided to remove him to private school to better his education however I feel his grades with hinder him from getting in. He does play two sports however I dont want that to be the only reason why they allow him in. With these scores does he have a chance to get into a school in Texas?
He does have a tutor now and seems to show some good signs, however I feel its not enough or too late.</p>
<p>Can some help us understand my son’s scores. He have scaled scores and percentile rank scores. VR-25% RC-24% QR-11% MA-19% 869vr, 869 rc 859 qr 870ma. Of course we are coming from the public sector and its true they only care about state test. He does have a IEP in place Math, Science and English. Of course I blame this partly on the public schools. He is the 10th grade and they still deny they did not teach him. So I have decided to remove him to private school to better his education however I feel his grades with hinder him from getting in. He does play two sports however I dont want that to be the only reason why they allow him in. With these scores does he have a chance to get into a school in Texas?
He does have a tutor now and seems to show some good signs, however I feel its not enough or too late.</p>
<p>I’m guessing at the definitions since you didn’t say which test but assume:</p>
<p>Verbal 25th percentile = scored lower than only 75% of students who took the test
Reading Comprehension 24th percentile = scored lower than 76% of the students
Qualitative 11th percentile = scored lower than 89% of students
Math 19th percentile = scored lower than 81% of students.</p>
<p>In order to get into a top competitive private school he’s got to get scores in the 90th percentile. For less competitive local private schools that can drop into the 60’s or 70’s. But it sounds like private school is going to be a tough option if he has an IEP and low test scores.</p>
<p>Now - it could be that the test scores are low because he’s a “different” kind of learner. He could be auditory, kinesthetic, visual, etc. He could have undiagnosed learning challenges that are physical, chemical or brain based. Whatever is going on, public schools are pressured to pass state exam with lots of emphasis on teaching to the test and not on differentiated learning. This leaves students totally unprepared to master nationally normed tests, or private school entrance tests. So he’s got to practice. But if the foundation is not there, high schools are going to worry about the low scores bringing down their stats.</p>
<p>I would look around and find schools that have extra resources available. He may have to repeat grades and material. If you are looking for private schools - your options are higher if you can pay full tuition. If you need any kind of financial aid, the options drop drastically even at local levels.</p>
<p>If you have not already done this – given the scores and the IEP – get him to a psychologist for testing to determine what his learning style is, and what barriers may exist and if there are solutions to the causes. Then that will arm you with more ammunition when you advocate for him. But most private schools are going to struggle to undo the problem in the two short years that are left - so you may need to look for schools that specialize in helping kids like your son catch up.</p>
<p>If you have an IEP in place, it should have a box checked on the front that states why he has an IEP. My child’s IEP says “Specific Learning Disabilities.” You also have a right to request an Independent Evaluation paid for by your school district if you do not agree with the testing that they have done. Try to locate an educational advocate in your area that can help you navigate the services you may be entitled to. Look at the Wrightslaw website. My child went through quite a bit and we fought the school district and they now pay for him to go to a school for kids with language based learning disabilities.</p>
<p>+1 to sk8. If it’s at all possible, I recommend having a complete neuro-psychological evaluation done, outside of the school system. Your school doesn’t have to accept the testing/results, but it gives you a leg to stand on when trying to get your child’s educational needs met. A good neuro-psychologist will also be able to recommend what type of setting will work best for your child, and maybe even suggest specific schools. If you are close to a major children’s hospital, they should be able to recommend a neuro-psych. I don’t live anywhere near TX, but I’ve heard good things about Baylor, if you are in that area.</p>
<p>Yes, agree with 123. A complete neuro psych is very important. Also, it is different from a “psychoeducational” evaluation. I believe the neuropsychological evaluation is better at explaining strengths and weaknesses and how they will impact your child’s functioning in all areas. Also, agree many major universities will have a child study center that specializes in this kind of evaluation. Good luck.</p>
<p>My youngest son is in elementary school with an IEP. It is not easy! My oldest applied for private this year. Not easy either. Best of luck and enroll him where you think he will succeed.</p>
<p>Thanks 1969, 123 and sk8.
I have been fighting with the school. The same district has had him for 3 years now and I just can’t deal with them any longer. The private schools are smaller classes and a better fit for him, however his grades and the lack of math reasoning and science scores, I feel those two will hinder him from ever being excepted. He does have a tutor now, however the school district failed my son’s educational needs long ago and its like he’s playing catch up. I just dont know what to do, in getting him into a private school or specialized school for him. Any ideas?</p>
<p>Thanks for your words, its amazing that someone from day or night who doesnt know my son, can tell me what we have been telling the school for years. He is a different kind of learner, however I dont think the private school is going to understand that based on his grades.
His public school has failed to teach him and I have told them, just because he passes the state requirement states doesnt mean he knows the material. I will have my a independent test done. But the school probably will not consider the findings. I just want to get my son into a school where he can benefit and enjoy a closer relationship with God. The private sector is doing more damage then helping him.</p>
</p>