<p>I wanted to know the question above and what do you think is most important to the schools.</p>
<p>I am applying to Andover and Exeter.</p>
<p>Just my opinion, but I think a good way to view SSAT scores:</p>
<ul>
<li>go to boardingschoolreview dot com, and look at the Average SSAT Score for the school you are interested in</li>
<li>if your score is at that level or above, that part of your application will be a “solid pass”</li>
<li>if your score is way above the average, that will certainly help your application (but will not make you a “shoo-in”)</li>
<li>if your score is way below the average, it will not help your application, but won’t necessarily “sink” your application either - many other factors come into play</li>
</ul>
<p>In summary: your SSAT scores are just one part of a complex application that includes grades, interviews, recommendations, essays, and whatever special talents (athletic, musical, academic, leadership) you bring to the school. Each part of your application is important, and different schools value different things in their prospective students.</p>
<p>I’ve read it somewhere here in CC board that one of these schools (I suspect Andover) gives equal weight to SSAT, GPA, essays, recommendation letters, etc. The other one is like as mountainhiker explained.</p>
<p>Standardized testing counts for more than most of us would like to admit. It is an accurate depiction–against a wide pool of peers–of your likely ability to be able to succeed and/or excel in some of the most competitive academic environments in the world. I genuinely always try to look at the full picture, but having seen behind the screen and several institutions on various levels of the educational ladder, I am fully aware that not only admission but also financial aid decisions hinge on scores.</p>
<p>A very, very high score will not guarantee you admission. </p>
<p>A very, very low score will likely sink you.</p>
<p>GMT, what’s a really low score? Thanks.</p>
<p>I’ve read Chance threads from kids w SSAT percentiles in the teens, asking if they they have a chance at the most selective schools. They posted after March-10 that they were not admitted.</p>