My daughter is currently in 7th grade, and we are planning to apply for this scholarship. Could you kindly clarify whether test scores(SSAT, SAT, ACT) are mandatory for the application? If so, how much weight do they carry in the overall selection process? Testing requirements in IEA website says SSAT is mandatory (i beleive this was updated in 2022), whereas 2024 webinar says scores are optional. Bit confused on how we should plan
1 Like
For a long period of time the test was required but during Covid students couldn’t take the test so they went test optional for two years. And then SAT was not making SAT available at all so they switched to SSAT. And now it is back to SAT. As for all test optional questions, that is a matter of debate. I personally thinks it makes applications stronger, here, in prep schools, and in colleges.
Generally speaking, there is no hidden agenda or sneaky hidden issues. Read the documents closely, watch the videos going back for many years including from Bonnie Raskin, and take your time.
1 Like
Thank you !As we haven’t done any prep for SAT , SSAT or ACT we are wondering if we have enough time to dive in now.
Pre-Covid, the requirement was that students needed to have a 500 on at least one section of the SAT. The ELA is easier now, and many scores were higher then, but that was the stated baseline. You also needed either a 95% or 97% or 99% on a normed test, I can’t remember which number was used in conjunction with the 500. That was the policy for many years.
Unless your school is well known to the selection committee, and you are submitting multiple neutral diagnostics, I’d suggest including scores.
2 Likes
You do not have much time at this point, but I do think it is a good idea to prepare as much as possible and get as high of a score as possible.