My son took the SSAT and scored in the 87th percentile. He’s applying to several competitive schools that are test optional (Hotchkiss, etc.). Should we submit his score to those test-optional schools?
Part of me feels like yes, because 87 is respectable, and it shows he didn’t score lower. Part of me feels like no, because it proves he’s not up in the 90th+ percentile.
He’s otherwise a straight-A student and a strong athlete.
Any input?
From what I’ve heard, anything equal or above the 85th percetille is fine.
I’m not some professional or a person who knows much about the admissions process but I think a 87 percentile should be fine, but if you can do a retake you should do a retake if you want it to be higher.
What are the breakdown of the individual scores? My daughter had a score that, overall, would have been in the “fine to submit” category, but one subscore was much lower than the other two subscores, so she didn’t submit.
I would think competitive schools assume that anyone not submitting scores did not score 90+. Whether it’s because a student chose not to even take the SSAT or because they scored lower. I think the question to ask is do you think the score is reflective of abilities and/or does it enhance their application?
83/95/62. So, like your daughter, one bad subscore. The previous time he took it, he got ~70/99/70, but his essay was a disaster, and we figured it was better to have a bad reading score than a terrible essay.
That’s the question, does submitting the score enhance his application?
“[Is it] better to remain silent at the risk of being thought a fool, than to talk and remove all doubt of it”?
Except, in this case, “Is it better to hide your score at the risk of being thought a very low scorer in all areas, or to share your 83/95/62 and show you do well in one area and poorly in another”?
I think it’s a respectable score & not something to be ashamed of. It clearly demonstrates excellence in one area.
If you’re retaking it, though, try the ISEE instead. I’ve heard their math section is more challenging but their reading/verbal is easier, which might be best for your student?
You’re right on that. Essays are HUGELY important for BS as it’s the only bit of writing they see that wasn’t edited in some way by an adult. But, you don’t have to submit it if you’re worried about that low score. Also, most schools ‘super score’ (reach out to the schools to find out which ones do/don’t). and have your kiddo keep taking the SSAT until they get the desired score. I believe you can submit scores until Feb (way after the deadline… DS had to do that and they all accepted his late test scores).
Is it possible to take it again in February or is that too late?
Most accept scores throughout the month of January at the latest. So, yes, February would be too late.
Also, good luck!
Thanks, you too!