Hello!
I have noticed that accepted students have SSAT scores in a wide range. Some considerably lower or higher than others. I’ve found several threads about SSAT scores, but I was hoping to get a more accurate answer, as many of them dated several years back.
So, what SSAT percentile do these schools usually look for in applicants? How much does getting a low score hurt you? How much does it help you if you get a good score?
Thank you for reading this and I would appreciate any response!
It depends on the school you are applying to.
What about more competitive schools like Deerfield and Andover versus schools like Williston and Kent?
Not as much as you think.
There are plenty of people with 95th percentile or above that are rejected or waitlisted on M10.
Everyone’s “holistic” nowadays, so you’re expected to be more than an academic drone.
And not to drag the convo into a totally different direction, but many schools are still test optional, making it even harder to gauge its importance
Thank you! Does not submitting your score to test optional schools put you at a disadvantage, especially if your ec’s might not be as strong as others?
I see, thank you! Since many applicants already have top grades, does scoring significantly lower automatically make your acceptance harder?
If you feel your scores do not add to your application, don’t submit at a TO school. The AO won’t assume anything.
Many schools know that some students don’t have access to tests while others have access to tutors.
If you have strong scores and you feel they validate/strengthen your application, submit them. They won’t get you admitted, but they could help an AO conclude that you have the academic chops to succeed (and move on to considering the rest of yourapplication. ). However, you don’t need scores to be a student who can succeed.
Scores simply provide part of the picture of who you are.
If you are trying to figure out if your score should be submitted, I would directly ask the AO what range of scores should be submitted. When my child applied, during the interview one AO told us, let me know what your score is and I’ll tell you if you should submit it. Another AO gave us an exact number. My child came from an unknown, underfunded large public middle school and we made that clear in our parent statement; his teachers also said they were going to mention it in their letters of rec. If you’re not coming from a school that they are familiar with, I think it’s important to let them know the context from which you are coming if that makes sense.
It really depends on where you’re applying and just how low.
Someone has to be in the 5th percentile, after all.
However, based on your other threads, that’s not you. Worry about this less. Think more about your essays and water polo.
AO at Kent said that submitting for application is optional. But if admitted, they do like everyone to submit any standardized tests that were taken. The math department uses the info, along with placement tests, to place incoming students correctly.
I liked this answer, as I thought it reflected a very holistic evaluation both before and after admission.
Yes. And it also helps admissions “calibrate” whatever other info they are using to assess academic readiness.
Last year AO from one of the “top schools” told me an overall > 85% would be fine.
If you are an impactful athlete applying, 50% SSAT is probably needed for you to be considered in the admission process.
Hi! I got 85th percentile and got into Exeter and LVille - among other competitive prep schools. I dont know if that’s considered good - I think it’s average? Either way, scores are just a fraction of your application
It matters a lot less than people here think. 85+ is a sure “you are qualified. I think 75+ with good grades and recs clears you.
SSAT is a barrier, once you cross it, they won’t pick someone just because they scored 2% better than another person
Hi! Thank you all for your replies! I am taking the test in a few days, hoping to get a better score than last time. @fancymeerkat are you currently at lville? If so, would you mind if I pm you with some questions?
When my 3rd kid was applying last year, someone described it aptly: at the end of the application, the scores are the punctuation. Low scores are a question mark. Good scores are a period. And great scores are an exclamation point.
I see. What scores are categorized as “great”? 95+?
I am so sorry but no - I ended up choosing an NYC prep school over boarding. I can definitely answer questions about the application process though!
I suppose it depends on the school. The point of the comment is that scores are an endcap, not a major deciding factor for an admissions committee.