I’m applying to two all girls schools, Miss Halls and Stoneleigh Burnham School.
For reading and verbal, I scored mid 70s and low 80s, but for the math portion, my score was in the delightful mid 20s (the most stressful part of the exam for me) X_X
As a student, I’m really hard working. I’ve stayed within the low A, mid, and upper B range, with the exception of a C+ in Chem. I do a lot of extracurriculars and I’m a really active member in my school community. I volunteered for 6 months at my local nature preserve, and I would volunteer some more but I work part-time during the school year, full-time during the summer at the nature preserve I mentioned earlier. I’m reeeaaally passionate about social justice, and when it’s not 3 am, I’m also really passionate about writing and music, and visual art.
I’m trying as hard as I can in school to balance out the low SSAT. Sometimes I feel confident about my chances, and other times (like now) I don’t. Are the odds for getting into these schools in my favor? Even a little?
It really depends on the school you’re applying to. If you’re applying to Exeter, it would not be in your favor. But some schools are willing to overlook a low math score. It really all depends. How is your math grade at school? Are your grades inflated very much? If you’re getting the grades you say you are, school’s might be a tad bit confused as to why your score is so low if you have a decent B in that class.
If I were the schools, I would be POSSIBLY worried about the low SSAT math score of yours. The SSAT prides itself in its Official Guide by stating that it is 90%(guessing from memory here, but it was in the 90s) accurate in predicting the academic capabilities of the students, and your low SSAT math score MAY cause the schools you are applying to possibly doubt the B(?) you had in your math class. Is a retake for the February SSAT possible? If not, I would also recommend you asking for a recommendation from your math teacher, both to testify to those grades you acquired and also to say that you are a determined individual constantly working on your math skills and destined to improve.
Good luck!
Math portions on standardized tests are extremely stressful for me. I had a tutor for 6 weeks before the exam and studied hard on my own and understood the material at home. But when it came to answering the questions during the exam, I felt extremely pressed for time and didn’t read all the math questions as thoroughly as I would have if I were in school or studying at home. I know that math is my weakest subject, so I tend to spend a lot of time working through problems to make sure it’s correct, but on the SSAT it felt so final and I knew there was no after school review so I worked quickly through the ones I knew and went back and slowly worked on the ones I didn’t read through well. I don’t think my school inflates the grades? They’re accurate to the level class you take and I’m taking advanced college prep Math, Chem, and History, and Honors English. @HistoryGeek40
The mid 20s on the SSAT was actually on my second retake WITH a 6 week college tutor… The first time around was worse X_X I’ve already submit my application for the schools, so I think it’s too late for my math teacher to send anything else in (I think).
I’m just gonna have to wait now. I just reallllyy love both the schools. @thelittleswimmer
@gingersnaps: Good luck! 
How were your interviews?
I think they went really well! The admissions officers for both schools and I talked for a long time, and we stayed in contact after the interview (probably a normal thing to happen, but I like to think it meant something 
) One school officer said she would support me in every way she can and so I’m hoping that means she’ll fight for me, but I’m not sure.
I won a regional silver key for an art and writing competition I entered, so maybe that’ll boost my chances a little? These things keep me up at night!
That’s awesome, @quinqersnaps. An admissions officer on your side is a really good sign.
I was told by a friend who is an AD that although scores can give them some indication about how well you are suited academically, that their office puts a lot more weight on evidence that you are a hard worker and can handle the loads. So if there is evidence that you can handle math, I don’t think they will make huge conclusions from that one SSAT score. Good luck!