<p>I am applying to 9th grade and just got my SSAT score, which was 99% ( 99 verbal, 99 math and 99 reading). I go to a very competitive prep school with many legacies at each school and, while I primarily have A's i do have a few B+ on my report card.. I am an active participant in sports and clubs and am in the Johns Hopkins CTY program. What are my chances? How many people get 99 on their SSAT's?</p>
<p>I don’t know why I glanced at the Chances thread, but for what it’s worth, the AO at Thacher told me that he could fill the class with kids who scored 99%. I am certain that the AO’s at Exeter, Andover and SPS would tell you the same. Once you’re past 90% on the SSAT’s, it really doesn’t figure in the School’s admission calculus. </p>
<p>The SSAT is a third party confirmation that you have the native ability to handle the thinking required by the School. You’re not more special at 99% than at 90%. As has been written about ad nauseam on this site, Schools admit based on a range of factors, some of which are not quantifiable and some of which change year to year based on particular skills they might be looking for (i.e. lacrosse player, oboist etc). </p>
<p>Grades, teacher recommendations, interviews, extracurriculars etc present an overall picture that drives the admission decision. Legacies are nice and certainly ensure that you’ll get a hard look. But just because Uncle Joe and Grandad Melvin attended decades ago won’t do too much to get you admitted. Legacy impact is not what it used to be, although still helps.</p>
<p>The advice given to countless kids EXACTLY like you on this site with 99% SSAT’s, good grades and legacy hooks is to keep your hubris in check. Apply to some back-ups. Don’t take anything for granted. If you feel yourself getting cocky, squash it fast. Go at the process with humility and hard work and you’ll improve your chances.</p>
<p>Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>ThatcherParent has some great advice that every CC’er needs to heed. It is hard to predict what the top schools are looking for…they have everything to choose from. PLEASE apply to both your top choices and some of the wonderful “hidden gems” that are out there. The gems may not have the name recognition of HADES schools, but I know from experience with two boys (both with top grades and 96% SSAT scores and above) that you can be challenged at these schools, and meet some of the best teachers and friends that you will ever have. Do NOT discount how hard the top boarding schools are to get in to, and do not ever doubt that the gems may be a fantastic fit for you, where you will thrive, grow and mature into the person you are meant to be.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>