@Happytimes2001 : Offers sound advice except for writing in post #31 above: “Don’t worry about the SSAT’s. It’s just one part of the package.” while noting that his or her child earned a 99% on the SSAT.
@sophmoreboarding: Do worry about the SSAT test if you intend to apply to ultra-selective boarding schools such as Andover, Exeter, Choate Rosemary Hall, Groton, SPS, etc. While an applicant’s SSAT score is just one part of the package, it is a very important part of the application package.
Advice should be given in the context of a particular applicant’s situation. In OP’s situation, SSAT test scores will be very important due primarily to the OP’s targeted boarding schools.
P.S. Those with low SSAT scores–low relative to the average or median for a particular–school tend to have a “hook”–such as a recruited athlete, an URM, disadvantaged background–which you do not have. There is no shortage of talented, accomplished & dedicated violin players at your targeted schools.
Also, as to what you cannot do, you cannot get admitted to any of your targeted schools for the tenth grade without a competitive SSAT score. You cannot assume that your SSAT score will be similar to your ERB scores.
@sophmoreboarding : My biggest concern is that you are targeting the wrong schools based on your reasons for wanting to attend boarding school. I do not think that you are aware of the intense environments at some of these schools that have spawned awareness of student suicide & other psychologically related issues such as eating disorders and, to a lesser extent, substance abuse.
Also, as you claim that your parents are “overprotective” of you, then I encourage you to consider, in addition to Lawrenceville, other schools which are closer to home such as Blair Academy, Mercersburg Academy, & the Peddie School.
@Publisher I think you missed my point. Clearly having a top score doesn’t ensure that you will get in. It’s likely they could fill an entire class with top scorers. For the record, my high scoring kid had a conversation with others Freshman year. Kid was very surprised to learn that very very few kids had top scores.
Many of the international kids on the other hand had super high scores. A 99 international and an 81 is still going to yield a 90%. And many of these schools have an 85. So they can get quite a pool of kids. Many kids are highly tutored so they earn top scores. We heard after the fact that some kids had been studying for a year!
IMHO, I’d rather have a great interview where I connect to the AO than a top score. Naturally, you can’t have a low score either. But the SSAT is not going to get you in. And in one case, my oldest brought up the score and the AO didn’t even want to talk about it.
My nephew who graduated from Choate last year got an 80-85 if I remember correctly. Wasn’t a legacy. He did very well there.
I have never asserted that a top SSAT score will result in an offer of admission, but a below average or median SSAT score can result in a rejection.
Regardless, OP is interested in applying to Andover & Exeter. Both schools report SSAT scores averaging in the low to mid 90s. SSAT scores are a very important part of the admissions process at these two schools as well as at several others.
An 80 to 85 is not unusual at Choate Roemary Hall. And lower scores are fine for recruited athletes & URMS. Also, an applicant may fit a particular need or want for a particular school during that admissions cycle.
P.S. With respect to your son, it is important to know the particular school attended or, at the very least, that boarding school’s median or average SSAT score (of course, median would be a better indicator, but many schools just share their average SSAT score).
OP: Yes, with an appropriate SSAT score, you could be admitted to Choate Rosemary Hall as you are well rounded & have noteworthy accomplishments with respect to playing the violin. Being full pay helps as well.
I think that your stated reason (to find yourself) is a valid reason for considering boarding school as it forces one to fend for oneself at an earlier age due to living away from home.
OP, do not worry about the naysayers, you would not have a shot if you don’t apply and since you are attending a good private where you can stay, it makes perfect sense to be very selective about where to apply. And I don’t happen to believe your parents are overprotective either, this board loves to suggest boarding schools in CA to East coast kids but most parents are not willing to put their 14 or 15 yo on a plane and see them three times a year, for good reason. In fact, most parents aren’t keen on sending kids that far for college either. Do a couple of full length practice tests and see if you have a weak section and if so do some practice there, and hope for the best. I don’t actually think SSAT or ISSE is that hard if you have had good education up to this point and yes, most boarding schools (including the ones listed) do accept either these days. And definitely talk up the violin, and meet with orchestra director or at least send link to some performances of yours. Good luck!