Which SSAT scores to send to Lakeside (Seattle) — percentiles vs. essay quality?

Prep School Admissions
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We’re applying to Lakeside School (applying to enter in 6th grade) in Seattle and have two SSAT score reports to choose from. We can only send one, and we’re torn between slightly better scores vs. a better essay.

December 6, 2025 — 98th percentile overall

  • Verbal: 99th percentile

  • Reading: 98th percentile

  • Math: 85th percentile

  • Essay: Creative Minecraft story — more playful, shows personality. Multiple people have said this is the stronger essay.

January 3, 2026 — 97th percentile overall

  • Verbal: 99th percentile

  • Reading: 94th percentile

  • Math: 91st percentile

  • Essay: “The competition was about to begin” — more reflective, but not as strong

For context, Lakeside’s “Looking Good” range on Test Innovators is 92nd percentile and above. So neither Math score hits that mark, but January (91st) is closer than December (85th).

We keep going back and forth on whether the higher Math score is worth the weaker essay.

What do you all think? Does the essay really matter that much? Or are we just overthinking this?

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Mistake #1. All these predictions are garbage

Mistake #2. You know what they say about opinions.

Yes indeedy. You send the better scores

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Send the 1st. Better essay. Both scores are more than sufficient to sell academic readiness. Now its time to sell their fit.

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Send the better scores. Although the difference in the math score is likely the result of just a few questions, it passes a threshold. I’ve never heard of the SSAT essay counting for much.

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From which K-5+ are you applying? SCDS, UCDS, Evergreen, Bertschi, Bush? Ask your counselors there. They will know. They are all feeders. It is very much a crap shoot.

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Wait, I got a 99 percentile on the SSAT, but my essay was kind of bad, is it still okay to send it?

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The SSAT essay is not evaluated for perfection. It is evaluated as a piece of unedited writing to see if it aligns generally with what would have been a first draft of the essays you submitted.

You are 13? 14? They know that. They like you. They just want to make sure the voice and writing quality (as a first draft) are consistent with the application essays you submitted. Perhaps some parents and consultants are a little heavy handed? I’m sure that all of the candidates wisely sought out a proofreader for their submissions. But hopefully did not use AI or pay for professional polish in the essays submitted with the application.

No discrepancy? No worries.

That was our take anyhow. YMMV

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Send the 99. You’re killing’ me :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

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You’re not the OP. For future reference, don’t hijack another’s thread since it’s considered rude.

And you’re overthinking.

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Thank you for your response. Just to clarify, when you say the “better score,” are you referring to the higher overall score?

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Thank you for your reply!

Is there typically a threshold for individual subject scores, or do schools focus more on the overall score?

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We are applying from public school..

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I’ve heard that Lakeside compares the SSAT writing sample with the application essays to check for consistency and voice etc.. should I send the December test with the creative writing sample that truly reflects my daughter’s personality, or sacrifice that for the slightly higher Math score (6%differnece 85 vs 91) in January with a mediocre essay..?

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Yes. But you’re splitting the finest of gossamer hairs

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Thank you for your reply!

Is there typically a threshold for individual subject scores, or do schools focus more on the overall score? Probably both….?

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If it were for my kid, I would submit the set with the higher math score, because I think the math score matters the most of the three individual scores, while verbal matters the least. If the 86 vs. 91 were pertaining to the verbal score, I would suggest sending the set with the essay you thought was better.

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sorry I wont make the same mistake next time

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I dont know that much about ssats, but they are pretty much the same score, and schools wont care about a 1 percentile difference

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Both scores are great and your child should be proud of their accomplishment. You are overthinking the writing sample - it may not even be looked at by anyone unless there is a red flag between the application, grades and teacher remarks. I am sorry you find your daughter’s one essay to be mediocre and I hope that is just you talking on a forum on not what you are saying back to your child.

While the test scores gets your application reviewed - what will matter a lot is the comments on the past 2 years of report cards, your current teachers evaluation (I hope you spoke to them and they provided you input on a right fit list and they understand your goals for your child’s education and moving into independent school BEFORE they filled out the forms). The teacher comments, your essays and how you speak about your child - they are a lot more than a test score - interactions as a parent matter a lot for all the independent schools and I hope you list includes many of the other amazing options in the area.

What interests (not asking for you to reply) does your child bring to the school, what will they be involved in and how to they add to the current class - it is far from just an SSAT score decision!

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Thank you for taking the time to reply. Our family and my daughter are so proud of her work! She put in her dedication and hard work with joy of learning.
The main question for us was - do we want her writing skills to stand out, which aligns with her essays and awards?
Lakeside mentioned about the importance of SSAT essay - the writing level, consistency, and even handwriting, especially for younger kids.
We decided to go with the higher overall score and better essay.