<p>My one rule of thumb.- DO NOT LISTEN TO PEOPLE WHEN THEY SAY YOUR SSAT WILL ONLY IMPROVE BY 3-5 percentile. Next year if you don't get accepted, retake it as many times as possible, because your scores can greatly improve</p>
<p>The first time i took the SSAT i got a 57%, what school would consider me?? But after only 2 weeks of studying, I got an 84%!!! That's like a 30% percentile increase!!!</p>
<p>I knew everything on the test, i'm just not a great test taker.</p>
<p>Last year when my son was applying to schools, we were told by the adcom at Hotchkiss that if you have an 85%, (which he did) you automatically make it through the first cut. They then investigate the scores and records to decide who they believe will still be a good fit. </p>
<p>Some schools will take the highest score from each section and create their own score. </p>
<p>For son #2 who I believe will test much lower, we will take the test in the spring and then work to increase his scores as much as possible. It just makes the process a little less stressful if you have the scores to put you in the running.</p>
<p>Yes, I was told that in order to make the first cut at Exeter you need at least 85%. Some schools will superscore your SSAT's, which can help a great deal if your scores are inconsistant. I know Exeter does....</p>
<p>They don't make cuts on SSAT scores...who did you hear that from. You can't believe everything you hear.</p>
<p>My sister was rejected at Exeter and my father called her interviewer. He specifically told my father that she made the first cut (she had >85% SSAT's), but she lacked leadership qualities that they were interested in.</p>
<p>Of course you can get into E with scores under 85%, but they would have to do a bit more investigating...</p>
<p>I know a student that was accepted at E with a 78%!</p>
<p>Well ya I don't think he was insinuating there was some sort of a cut-off. Just because she made the first cut and was above 85 doesn't mean if your not above 85 you can't get in. Just didn't want your post to mislead anyone. I think they do a little more investigating even if your 99 to see if you make the first cut.</p>
<p>Of course it's not that simple. I know that...</p>
<p>Recognizing that we are all just speculating and do not really know what we are talking about, does the same "cut" apply to those requesting FA and those not requesting such aid?????</p>
<p>Middlesex: Lots of schools would accept an applicant who scored 57%. On the flip side, lots of kids scoring in the 90's will be rejected from the tier 1 schools. Just wait till Tuesday and see who disappears from the CC board! (hopefully, none of you!)</p>
<p>SSAT scores are not the barometer for acceptance. They are but one indicator of the quality of education/preparation/intelligence/test-taking skills possessed by an applicant.</p>
<p>The varsity hockey coach at Exeter, who I've been corresponding with, specifically told me that in a sense their ''virtual'' cut off is 80th percentile. </p>
<p>I had a 75th overall initially, but they offered to let me take the February SSAT's and I raised my overall to a 92; my math going up 32 points--with virtually NO studying, just some minor trick tune ups.</p>
<p>If you're an otherwise strong applicant, I think a score in the low 80's is FINE.</p>
<p>I agree, my interviewer said %80 was the cut off but you could still get in with below %80 you just needed to be a great all around candidate. If you get %80+ that just shows them you will probably be able to handle the work there. Grades also help for this. After they know you can they just look at you to see if you would contribute to their school (stuff like an all around good personality, social, music, sports, clubs, and leadership skills).</p>
<p>And what about full pay versus FA?</p>
<p>I dunno bout other schools but Exeter is taking no more than %30 FA students this year (9th graders). About 2/3 of the students applying this year (for 9th grade) are applying for FA. So it's obviously harder to be accepted if you need FA.</p>
<p>Wait, I'm applying for 10th grade. I'm class of 2012. Does this mean that the FA changes aren't as significant for me? I'm confused.</p>
<p>No, they will be just as hard on you. The commitment is for those who have already been accepted with FA. </p>
<p>:(</p>
<p>Darn, I thought so. </p>
<p>I was just being optimistic. I was like: ''Wait! 2013! I'm not 2013, I'm 2012.... wait... mayyyybbbbbeeeeeeee.....'' </p>
<p>Hehe, oh well. :P</p>
<p>I heard more like 75% applying for FA, 35% will get FA...</p>
<p>Just under two-thirds are applying, i.e.; 60%.
And ''no more'' than 33% will recieve. Although I think that when push comes to shove, if they want the kid they'll pay the tab--within reason, of course.</p>
<p>I have a question also similar to rjm3008s. I applied to both Exeter and Andover with high hopes that i would get in. However, I did poorly on the SSATs (80% math, 50% writing, and 20% verbal with a 50% average) and am now not quite as confident. But, my grades at my current school do not resemble those of the SSATs. I go to a Blue Ribbon School in New England with a very high reputation and am currently in all of the honor classes available in 8th grade (Honors Spanish, Honors English, and Geometry. I took Algebra in 7th grade). I also am a member of The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) and I am a saxophone section leader in my band. I am also a High Honors student (93 average and up) and was in a math tournament in 5th grade (my school won). I have been playing hockey for the past 8 years and I am very good for my age. I had great recommendations from my teachers and had a great essay on Global Warming in my application. I am worried that I won't be able to go to Exeter or Andover because of my low SSAT scores (I don't test well under pressure). Do I have any good hooks that could give me a good chance of getting accepted?</p>
<p>haha scaredstudent nice name btw. Im kinda in the same boat as you. I am athletic and have great grades and EC's. No only difference is my SSAT scores were higher overall (%95 math, %79 reading, %60 vocab). Just wait it out, if you get good grades and are in all honors classes then you probably have a pretty good chance</p>