How important are the SSAT score for the application process??
This test is my weakest point. I"m retaking it, but I recently got a 2070…
thanks:)
If I remember correctly, the most important part is your percentage overall score. I’m not talking about the national percentage, but rather the average of all three of your scores. I wouldn’t know how competitive a 2070 is. So, for example, I got something like 75% Reading, 75% Math, 99% Verbal, which doesn’t sound great on its own, but gave me a cumulative score of around 93% somehow.
That number will tell you how competitive your score is among other applicants. Andover’s average is a 93, so I wasn’t in a bad position because I matched the average. I would say if you’re within 5 points of the average, you shouldn’t worry–at a certain point I think they just want to keep their average the same as its been, so it’s just a box to check off.
If you’re significantly below the average of the schools you’re trying to get into, I would consider retaking the test. Schools care about the average SSAT score that they put on brochures, so that may be a concern. I would focus on hitting the average–once you do, I don’t think it’s particularly important how much higher your score is than that.
The overall number (2070) is not as important as is the percentage vs the same grade/gender. Every school is different, but most of the top schools like to see above 85%. Exeter/Andover is 92/93%. The SSAT score lets them know you can actually handle the work at the school. I know several legacy/sibling students who were right around the average for their schools.
However, if you are looking for FA, then your score should be ABOVE the average, so you can really be an asset to the school. From what I have read on cc, it seems that a minimum of 10-15% higher than the average SSAT for the school is what will help with the FA question. I know several students at different schools who got generous FA packages who were over 10% above the average. AND…it seems the Quantitative score is especially important, as in, the higher, the better.
I was also thinking of applying for a boarding school. I don’t think I’m too normal but I don’t think I’m too extraordinary either… Is boarding school a chance I should take? Im also a sophomore now so that means i would be applying for junior year. I feel like I won’t be too unique but then again, in scale of my school and surroundings, I am above average in my studies and my interests…
@thejoe – you are hijacking @dongding123’s thread. You should start your own thread so posters can reply to your question separately, but I will tell you that no one but you and your family can decide if boarding school is right for you. We don’t know you.
@Mexusa --so then 102-103% for Exover 
Easily attainable!
what grade are u in
we need %
u talking about the SSATs