<p>Do the application essays have to be in the 5-paragraph format, with an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion?</p>
<p>Also, how important is the SSAT and the essay section of it?</p>
<p>If you're gifted and inspired, you can write your essays in verse...assuming that there's no express instruction to the contrary. The essay should be well constructed and demonstrate mental organization...so if the 5 paragraph format aids you towards that end (and you have adequate space), go for it. If you're asking because you wish to venture off the beaten path...you're free to explore the perimeters of the generally wide latitude that the express, written instructions afford the applicants.</p>
<p>The SSAT is both incredibly important and not dispositive of an outcome if you do well. A 99% score guarantees you nothing and gives you little, if any, marginal advantage over the imaginary applicant who is just like you in all other ways. If you bomb -- to the point where you score creates doubts as to whether you can survive at a particular school, the SSAT can be a deal breaker. (On this score, remember that the pool of people who take the SSAT are self-selected and tend to be very bright so students can take pride in scores of 60%ile and 70%ile (and lower) even though a 60 or 70 on a math test at your current school would be a failing grade.) </p>
<p>Once a school sees that your SSAT score is high enough to indicate you can be successful, academically speaking, they're pretty much done with the score report. Once they determine that your SSAT score is good enough, the other elements of your application take on the bulk of the importance. </p>
<p>A 99%ile score is "qualifying" at all the schools (in that it says, "time to look at the rest of this person's application"). So is an 88%ile score. The 11% difference is not important. The first 80% or so is immensely important. (Depending on the school, it might be the first 60% or some other number. I just wouldn't sweat trying to milk the last few %iles by retaking the test when you've got an 88%ile in your pocket.)</p>
<p>As for the essay section...I don't know how it's used. I suspect there's a broad difference in how it's used by each school. Some schools may use it as a benchmark so they can establish your writing ability in a controlled environment in which there's no doubt the effort is all on your own. Other schools may look at it as though it was as significant as the essays you respond to on their own pre-printed application. Some may regard it as another chance for an applicant to shine, while discounting weaker efforts because they recognize the time pressure, etc., can artificially diminish a writer's clarity and quality of expression. The important thing, I believe, is to have an understanding of the essay instructions going in...to allow yourself as much time as possible to think and write (versus acquainting yourself with the instructions as the clock ticks away). Take a definite position, cite examples (even if you make them up) and wrap it up neatly at the end. You may even want to think of your final thought before you begin writing and set it aside to pencil in when you're at the final minute mark.</p>
<p>Thanks D'yer Maker. I was really worrying over the SSATs and how to write my essays, but now I think I'm okay.</p>
<p>I got a 1779 on my overall grade on the SSAt exam, is that Good?
I feel that i didn't do so well B/C i didn't have enough time to study and prepare for it.</p>
<p>what percentile did you come in starz?</p>
<p>I Kinda don't know how to read it but... I know on the Verbal 4% Math10% Reading 26% overall a 14% and score 1779. (what does this mean ..I dont know how to figure this out..but I have a feeling this isn't good)</p>
<p>It means you did better than 4% 10% and 26% of the kids who took the tests in the past 3 years in those sections.
What kind of school are you applying to?</p>
<p>I am applying to a boarding school ...Stony Brook & Miss Porter's</p>
<p>I am applying to a boarding school ...Stony Brook & Miss Porter's
But.. would you consider these grades ok ??? or really bad?? , because i am sooo worried!</p>
<p>starz45, they arent the most amazing scores but ssats are not a top priority for these schools. just do your best and you will almost definitely do well.</p>
<p>Thanks..XOXCOOKIE my interview at Stoony Brook, went great, still waiting to go through my interview at the other school. </p>
<p>So what your saying is that, the SSAT's scores doesn't really have an effect, on getting admitted to a school?</p>
<p>hmm, well i wouldnt say they have NO effect but most of us here on cc agree that ssats are close to the bottom of the admissions teams list of priorities. if you like though, i think it isnt too late to retake the ssat? i am not absolutely sure though so i would ask the schools. but basically, dont lose hope, if you had great interviews, you are in the running.</p>
<p>Some schools allow you to take the February SSAT test date. I remember last year retaking my SSAT in February. I think it helped my admissions chances a good amount! I would ask the specific schools you are applying to and decide if you want to retake them. Quick though, before they make you pay a fee for signing up late!</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the deadline to register for the February SSAT has passed. You had until 1/25/08 to register online.</p>
<p>look at this, it may help.</p>
<p>Thanks important factors was veryimportan link.. I think I understand a little bit better!</p>
<p>If you wanna retake feb. you can go as standby but it's more money. i also received pretty low ssat scores too because it was my first time. are you international?</p>
<p>No, it it too late to go standby on the SSAT's. Regular Registration closed January 18. Late Registration, available only online, closed January 25.</p>
<p>jenny, you can sign up for standby until 2/9.</p>
<p>February 9 Test Deadlines
1/18: Mail/fax registration closes
1/18: Special Acc's "B" deadline
1/25: Late registration (online) closes
1/25: Special Acc's "A" deadline
1/26-2/9: Standby registration only</p>
<p>Jonathan, you're right--standby may be an option, or it may not. Not all the testing sites offer standby. And according to the SSAT website:
Standby Registration Notes:</p>
<p> A standby ticket does not guarantee testing.</p>
<p> Registrants will be admitted to the test based on the sole discretion of the Test Center Supervisor after all non-standby registrants have been accommodated.</p>
<p> If seats and test books are still available, standby registrants will then be admitted based on their assigned queue number.</p>
<p>Definitely not a sure thing.</p>