SSAT scores - retake?

Periwinkle
Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:32:23 +0000

Many schools “superscore,” which means that they take the strongest subtest scores from all the tests submitted. I don’t think it would count against her to take it again, but her scores are likely to remain in the same high range. You could elect to receive the SSAT scores first, then send them on if they’re an improvement.

I would think that a very strong showing (96%!) in the November test would be more impressive than multiple tests. If she had had a subtest in the 60s, a retest might be warranted.

If you want to spend hours of your life reading about the SSAT, CC’s search function will lead you to many threads of speculation. At 96%, though, her SSATs will be more than strong enough for any school. I’d say the other talents she can bring to the school will make a greater difference in her chances.

For example, if she’s a competitive swimmer, schools with swim teams would be more interested in her as an athlete than schools which don’t have swim teams. If she’s in love with a school without a swim team, you’d have to emphasize that she wants to explore other sports, and she’s already in top physical condition.

Other schools to investigate, depending upon your hometown: Choate, Deerfield, Groton, St. Mark’s, St. Paul’s, St. George’s, Middlesex, Lawrenceville, Brooks, Emma Willard, Miss Porter’s. Some of these schools have very low rates of admission.