1.)Hi, deadlines are coming up and I have my SSAT tomorrow. I have taken so many practice tests I can review anymore because I’ve memorized the questions. Im generally a nervous and anxious person, but thats helped me become conscious student and all that. So does anybody have any advice to help me last minute prepare for tomorrow?
2.)I think based off of the test I’ve taken im going to get in the high 70’ for my SSAT score, and I know thats not the best score. Taft is my number one choice, so do you think that I could get in with that? I have a friend who goes there and was in the 66th percentile. It probably helped that her dad used to work there, but she reassured me saying that all of her friends there has low, 60’s scores as well. So whats your view point on the low SSAT score and me getting into taft
3.) I understand that SSAT scores arent everything so I’ll give you my current grades and what not. This year all of my academics have been been between 94-100’s except for math. I currently take freshman math ( instead of eighth grade math ) so my average score has been a 91 this year. I’ve also won an award for my writing for Patriots Pen which is a national competition. Along with my academics I am apart of ; Art Enrichment, Chorus, Chorale which is chorus but you have to audition, Tri-M which is the national music honors society, and theater productions. I think you could say I’m heavily involved with the arts. Then for athletics I am on the varsity team for my middle schools cross country, I do track and field where I broke a high school record as a sixth grader, conditioning, and I do a martial art(jiu-jitsu). And then on the side Im teaching myself guitar and have taken up photography as a hobby. Some of my work was showcased in a photo contest gallery. So I’m not just the average book smart kid- I have a bit of depth to me
4.) now onto the interview, what types of questions do they ask? I’m generally well spoken and can pubic speak just fine thanks to theater so my nerves wont really come across. I just want to be prepared for the questions they ask and not just be a total goof and improvise the whole thing.
5.) whats your opinion? am i good candidate? do you think I have a chance? I would really appreciate your replies, advice, and criticism 
Hey there!
You seem like a great candidate. Most schools look for a well-rounded candidate that will embody the school’s principles, and be one who will contribute to the school in a positive way.
To give you an idea of what AOs could potentially ask you during your interview, I’ve provided a list below.
- Why do you want to be at this school?
- What are your greatest assets?
- Describe your family.
- How do you deal with disappointment?
- What can you change about your current school? How would you describe your experience?
- How would you describe a responsible student? Can you say you are a responsible student?
Don’t stress on the interview! Just be yourself and dress sharp! You want to send a good impression to the Admission Officer.
Hope this helps!
thank you so much! that really helped and calmed my nerves a bit, I appreciate it. wish me luck! T-minus 12 days until the interview
A lot of your questions have already been answered around the forum, but I’ll try my best. I am neither an AO nor a seasoned parent. I’m just an applicant. As such, don’t think of my advice as gospel truth.
- Since you’ve already taken the test, I would highly recommend not stressing yourself out too heavily before you get your results back. I’m sure you did great!
- That isn’t a low score at all. However, since Taft has an ~83% average on the SSAT, you will probably be testing below most of your classmates. The SSAT is more of a hoop to jump through than a huge factor in admissions, but a high SSAT score certainly can’t hurt you.
- Your grades are good, however, it’s important to remember that almost NONE of the other people applying are just book-smart kids. Typically, they’re interesting, well-rounded young adults with a multitude of ECs. Your athletics are a great thing to highlight during your interviews. Also, your interest in art definitely won’t hurt. (mental high-five since you’re a fellow theatre kid)
- It’s good to be prepared for the interview, but don’t try to manufacture your answers. You should feel like your interview is a conversation. Try your best to connect with your interviewer on a personal level, since they’re going to be your biggest advocate.
- Hard to say. You gave us a lot of subjective information. Are you an ORM (White, Asian)? Are you an international applicant? Do you require F/A? If so, your chances drop. So much of admissions is a crapshoot. But you seem like a great person. Getting in isn’t everything!
Hope this can help.