<p>Hi I'm a current ninth grader applying to Loomis, Exeter, and St. Paul's. I just received my SSAT scores and I am very disappointed with 78th percentile, but I am retaking it in January (will that be enough time for January 15th Submission?). I am in all honors classes at one of the best private schools in the city and have all A's and one B+ unweighted. Weighted I have all A's. I play two sports but will not reveal them for my own safety, I play the saxophone, and do community service as well. My essays are good as writing is what I believe I am best at and I am pretty sure that I got really good recommendations being that math is my best subject and my english teacher and I have a really strong bond. I already had my Exeter interview and we had a good conversation, as it felt like such. I am also applying from the south and am black, so I don't really know if that makes a difference. I really hope that this bad SSAT score does not harm me too much. PLEASE CHANCE ME!</p>
<p>Hi, you sound like a strong candidate. But remember, those who apply to those schools are also very strong. Yes, you can take the SSAT in January. (Schools will accept the Jan score.) </p>
<p>It is very hard to chance anyone. We are not AOs and there are so many factors to consider. There are also differences in applicant pool among schools and they can vary every admission cycle. One thing I can say is Exeter and SPS are the most selective schools and when you look at their average SSAT score, you will find it at 85%+ level. While it is just a stat, its an important stat. </p>
<p>If you apply from under-represented State and are an ethnically minority student, it would probably do you good. I wish you all the best.</p>
<p>I am also a legacy at one of the more selective schools.</p>
<p>That, in addition to your minority status and your fairly strong grades, will probably be a compelling factor in admission! Schools do give special attention to families that return to their school - it indicates potential for money in the future and in the present.
Don’t worry about one bad thing - SSATs aren’t the only thing that AO’s look at!</p>
<p>If you school has a secondary school placement counselor, make sure you talk to him/her.</p>
<p>They often have a lot of connections and can make a call to an AO if they need to!</p>
<p>One question, however: how much, if any, FA do you need? That may play a role, as, unfortunately, even Exeter doesn’t offer needs-blind any more.</p>
<p>@gwichkid my family will probably be able to pay a little over half of the tuition.</p>
<p>Also, my scaled score on the SSAT was 2175. Is that a high score for such a low percentile?</p>
<p>Provided u didn’t offend anyone during your visit/interview, I’d be willing to bet money that u will be accepted to all 3 schools bcs of your hook.</p>
<p>What would you say my hook is? @GMTplus7</p>
<p>I think u are well aware of what your hook is</p>