Are there any ABC parents or students here? I am thinking about this organization for my child and have a few questions:
How did you do on March 10?
What was your experience with the matching process? Do you feel like the organization pushed you into a direction to advance their agenda? Did you apply to any schools on your own?
Any tips to be admitted to the organization?
Did your student study for the “benchmark” SSAT? Are the scores used for ABC admissions?
Would you recommend ABC?
Thanks.
@TheSwami I am an ABC parent and there are a few others here too! In my experience there wasn’t any pushing for their agenda, just really genuine people who wanted to help get the best for the kids. I would (and have) recommend them in a heartbeat. It’s a lot to go into right now, but my daughter is on the younger side but took the benchmark SSAT at the end of fourth grade — they do use it for admission. She was admitted to ABC, then studied through the summer. In the fall, another SSAT is mandatory but my daughter also took the ISEE privately. We didn’t apply to schools independently because the only ones we were considering anyway were ABC partners— but you can if you choose to. Long story short, my child did remarkably well on M10, she totally could have rocked it on her own too but I just like having ABC’s backup in dealing with schools. Feel free to pm me anytime, I love this organization!
Hey! As a current ABC scholar I’ll answer these questions.
How did you do on March 10?
Great! I got two acceptances. Im going to an amazing acronym school next year.
What was your experience with the matching process? Do you feel like the organization pushed you into a direction to advance their agenda? Did you apply to any schools on your own?
My experience with the matching process was great, but not the best for everyone. I personally got all the schools (and more) that I was referred to. (I applied to 11 schools in total) On the other hand, I know many people slightly disapppointed with their referrals and opting to retest for their schools. As well as, you can ask schools to request you vice versa. I absolutely believe ABC put me in the right direction. I didnt apply to any schools on my own. *Quick note: the schools I got accepted to were both recommended by ABC, so I wouldnt have gotten into boarding school without them!
Any tips to be admitted to the organization?
Maybe try to attend the informational session for ABC. I didnt do anything extra.
Did your student study for the “benchmark” SSAT? Are the scores used for ABC admissions?
I studied for the benchmark test and I am close to someone who got in by barely studying. On the ABC website it is said that they dont really act as If the scores are a largest part of the picture.
Would you recommend ABC?
I would 150% recommend ABC.
Lots of threads on ABC if you search. Here’s one:
My son is scheduled to do the SSAT on 9/16/18 thru ABC but was wondering should I privately do the ISEE on 11/3/18 and see which one he does better on? He just started 5th grade today but did study throughout the summer via testinnovators and purchased SSAT book. Or should I wait for the SSAT results before scheduling the ISEE for November? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
I would certainly wait. Continue to study. Does he have a list of favorite potential schools? If he does, find out the scores he needs to be competitive. Definitely let the district manager know. They know your son (at least a little) and can help with the decision process - their having your school list is an added advantage. The ABC manager will know what scores/resumes will place your son in the competitive category.
I’d never wait, I’d take it ASAP as if you wait you are out of options.