Hi, so I have a question (duh)
I have relatively high scores on the Upper Level SSAT (I think)
I have a 99 in verbal and math and a 98 in reading. (99 overall)
However, I usually have mostly B’s and some A’s (one or two).
I’m applying to Andover, Hotchkiss, Noble, Deerfield, etc.
I’m in 8th grade right now and applying to 9th grade.
Do I have a chance?
March 10 is always full of surprises, so no one here can really answer your question, but I’m curious as to why you seem to be applying only to such highly selective schools. Spend some time reading here , and you’ll see that there are loads of excellent schools with rigorous academics out there where your odds of acceptance would be greater. Keep in mind that there are MANY kids with scores like yours AND all A grades who do not get in to the tippy -top schools.
Consider casting a wider net, and good luck!
I believe that high SSAT scores are a better indication of acquired knowledge and academic potential than grades simply because there is so much grade inflation and/or inconsistencies from school to school to school and student to student. I think that the schools feel this way to but there are caveats to this of course. Further, schools promote their average SSAT scores and then their average SAT scores NOT their students grades. I think that you have a shot but it depends --are you in advanced classes? Do you have any strong extracurriculars. Do you need financial aid? Are you a legacy of any of these schools? Are you a legacy at an Ivy? Ivy Legacies will get preferential treatment at elite boarding schools because those students boost their elite college acceptance rates.
My friend’s child was denied acceptance because of the disparity between SSAT score (high) and grades (low). She followed up with the Admissions Director by phone, and the AD explained that the low grades signaled that her son is not a hard worker and doesn’t utilize the potential that he has based on his high score. The AD said they will consider admission in the next cycle provided that her son’s grades have improved.
To clarify, his grades were mostly Cs, with an occasional B or A.
Goatmama, you raise an important point. Too big a gap raises other issues. That’s why I said ther are caveats to these scenarios.
But there could be aspects of a student’s current school situation that does not play to his or her strengths-which may be a compelling reason to be looking for other types of schools.
@lostaccont Absolutely. I was just sharing anecdotal experience. In that particular case, there were no special circumstances. The AOs diagnosed the boy quite correctly. He is bright but doesn’t care to study, and never has. Grades haven’t changed this year either, which validates the AOs’ concern. I was especially impressed with the AD explaining the decision to the family and challenging their son to improve his grades the first semester of this year. It allowed the family to see that the issue lies with their unmotivated son rather than with the BS.