I’ve heard rumors that it isn’t a good thing to have a perfect SSAT when applying to boarding school because the AOs think you’ve peaked. Is this true? I believe that the more points one can get, the better.
More to the point, SSAT is but one part of an application. Kids who submit a subpar application with stellar SSAT scores should anticipate a rejection letter.
They have peaked…at taking the SSAT, and nothing more. While a wonderful accomplishment, it does not mark the end of a productive and meaningful academic experience. Plus, a peak like you are referring to can only be determined in hindsight.
I don’t think it would be considered a bad thing. Some kids are really good test takers. My son usually tests close to perfect, but interviews are not his strong suit, so it balances things out!
Just one of many criteria used. Doesn’t seem to make much difference.
As one “top” school admissions head told us recently, “just don’t let the SSAT or ISEE be something that we notice.”
I know there are a lot of folks here with far more experience, but I would really doubt that these stellar private high schools have any kind of rigid formula to accept or deny. I think they take the totality of the circumstances.
IMHO…
Yes, they take the whole of the applicants and have various buckets they have to fill to round out a class. Getting a top score could likely keep you in the scholar pile but it’s definitely not going to make you a musician or athlete candidate.