<p>I received a 99 percentile overall, however, my essay wasn't that great. As in, it wasn't bad at all, but it wasn't very good. </p>
<p>As writing is one of the major parts of my application (I will be sending in a writing portfolio), I'm afraid this will significantly lower my chances.</p>
<p>Would this warrant completely re-taking the whole ssat? What do you guys think?</p>
<p>I could, possibly, send in in-class essays that were timed (20~45) minutes as an alternative.</p>
<p>I’m really not sure.</p>
<p>I also got high scores and considered doing this because I can’t write under pressure and therefore my essay was just horrible. I don’t have the ability to pay for a second testing and I feel it would be unethical to ask for a fee waiver after I already took the test once, while there could be other students who haven’t even been given the opportunity to take it.</p>
<p>If you are really worried about it and have the resources to do so, then retake it. The schools won’t see the test scores until after you have received your scores if you decide to not sign up any schools when you register.</p>
<p>I think most people don’t turn in their best work when working under time restrictions. I would say, don’t worry about it, and work on your application essays. It could well be that your “wasn’t bad at all” essay is wonderful, when compared with everyone else’s essay.</p>
<p>I also scored in the 99th percentile with a mediocre essay, but I’ve decided not to retake, simply because of money, and how hard it would be to maintain such a high score. Basically, I hope to have a good rec from my English teacher, and unique essays to outweigh the :/ness of my SSAT essay.</p>
<p>@intrinsically:</p>
<p>DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT retake the SSAT if you already got a 99% overall.</p>
<p>Please do not take my post on the other thread–about the SSAT writing sample being important–so literally.</p>
<p>Taking the SSAT again when you already have a 99% is like buying another pair of Nike Air Jordan sneakers when you already have 25 pairs. Really? What would be the point in having 26 pairs?</p>
<p>Yes agreed. I think we are all just completely freaking out at this point GemmaV. Forgive us. :-}</p>
<p>Sorry GemmaV, I obviously did. 
Now, looking back, I see how ridiculous this post even was.</p>
<p>Yes agreed. I think we are all just completely freaking out at this point GemmaV. Forgive us. :-}
^
I second this.</p>