<p>I recieved my scores today and this is the result
Overall:88
Reading:97
Verbal:96
Math:44
The schools say anything above 85% is perfectly acceptable and will make the SSAT a non issue, but with Math so low, how will this affect me? I'm taking it again next month, so I will study math hard, but will this kill my chances? I'm applying to Andover, Exeter, Deerfield, and Hotchkiss. No safeties, because I have pretty good options at home.</p>
<p>Retake in January.</p>
<p>I am, but at the moment, am I “dead”.</p>
<p>Study hard for math. That’s the only problem…everything else seems fine. Good luck, though.</p>
<p>Awww…don’t worry too much, I’m sure you can do better next time! Besides, one bad score won’t totally ruin your apps. Just work, work, work, on those essays!</p>
<p>Thanks, will do!</p>
<p>At the risk of sounding like a “Debbie Downer” parent, this is why I think students should wait to “fall in love” with or narrow their “apply to” list until AFTER they get their SSAT/ISEE scores.</p>
<p>I’m an…Owen Optimist!
Hahahaha</p>
<p>Risk goes up that math will hurt your chances, particularly at Exeter. But I know kids you have had a really low math SSAT and great verbal/reading who have been admitted. If the rest of your app is excellent, you still have a shot, especially if your math grades have been good. AO might say to him/herself, "ok, this kid will probably be in a slow math section, but great everywhere else academically AND we really like his personality and what he’s accomplished, so he’s an “Admit.”</p>
<p>Remember, reading and verbal are MUCH better predictors of boarding school (and college) success than math, ask any AO. Unless you want to attend a math heavy institution, you may be fine with your scores.</p>
<p>Having said all that, it’s still worth another whack at the test. But if it comes back with the same low math score, don’t beat yourself up. You still have a shot.</p>
<p>Lastly, put some other schools in the mix. There are many places equal to the schools to which you’re applying.</p>
<p>Well that’s unfortunate, as Exeter is my first choice. I’ve always been in the top math classes at my school, and recieved A’s and B’s. I really don’t know went wrong. I just need to study REALLY hard. I guess my essays have to just be that much better. If I get in the 80th percentile in January, which i know I can do, I’ll be much more relaxed.</p>
<p>Might you have erroneously transcribed to the answersheet?</p>
<p>How many questions did you not answer?</p>
<p>I ommited two question and I hope that I bubbled wrong because, although math is not my best subject, I didnt expect to do this bad.</p>
<p>Do you realize that by merely omitting 2 questions, you are shooting for a 95+% score? You know the scoring algorithm?</p>
<p>Did your practice tests indicate such a potential performance?</p>
<p>Do you realize the early problems are relatively easy compared to the last one and that you should not answer questions unless you know the answer or have eliminated wrong answers.</p>
<p>In short, did you have a strategy? For instance, did you have a goal on the math section to say correctly answer 43 questions correctly and say not respond to 7 questions? Skipping questions that are difficult? You probably only need 40-44 correct responses out of 50 to bring your score into a realm of not being an admit hindrance.</p>
<p>Did you answer the real question or were you tripped (tricked) up? Did practice tests indicate a rush to judgement? Sometimes spending extra time to understand the question is crucial.</p>
<p>You already decided to re-take it an I think it’s a good idea. I know you are concerned if this not so great score may negatively impact the admissions decision. Not to worry. The impact should be minimal. It’s not even that bad. Just focus on the next test and try to get a better score (weatherby had some good advice for you). Good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you guys. This forum is so much help.</p>
<p>that happened to me too! I’m retaking it again soon and im going to study for at least an hour every night. I always get A’s in math so I really don’t know what went wrong! Good luck on your retake, I hope you get the score you want!</p>
<p>Not trying to be negative but Andover and Exeter have VERY high SSAT AVERAGES. So you have a chance at them but it’ll be hard. The others could be fine for you hopefully.</p>
<p>Some of the schools listed above will pool the best scores from multiple tests. So if you score higher on the next test, that one will count. Adcoms know everyone has an “off” day.</p>
<p>Talk about an off day. I am interested in theatre and I had a show the Friday night before the test. I got home at like 11 PM, went to bed ASAP, and woke up at 6AM for the test.</p>