<p>Hi, I've been freaking out about my SSAT scores because of the applicants on this forum with such high SSAT scores (95+). I'm applying to Phillips Academy, Hotchkiss, Choate, Horace Mann (NYC), and Taft. Do I even stand a chance for these schools with my scores?</p>
<p>If you’re really unhappy with your scores, you still have an opportunity to take the January 7th test. But you’ll have to hurry. Online registration closes Friday 12/23.</p>
<p>From the Andover site:
“Although the Andover admissions committee has no minimum grade or score requirements for acceptance, the average Andover student maintained an ‘A’ average at his or her previous school and scored in the 93rd percentile on the SSATs.”</p>
<p>So, while not awful, your scores are below the average for the most selective schools. </p>
<p>I don’t mean to discourage anyone from applying to any school, but if you were my child, I’d encourage you to broaden your net a little bit if going to boarding school is a must for you.</p>
<p>That said, as others have noted, scores are not everything.</p>
<p>NO! I got about the same - 80% except my reading was higher than yours and my math lower. If we’re being honest here, both of us are going to have something super special (violin prodigy, science whiz, legacy) to get into Andover <em>probably!</em> but Hotchkiss, Choate, ect. are probably just the same. Or at least I would hope… and I’m with you on not retaking it the 7th. I don’t think it would help much :l</p>
<p>I got like 79% overall and got in somewhere (not any listed, but I didn’t apply to those). I took the SSAT 4 times and never got much higher, but if you think you can then it’s always good to try and take it again. You never know. And it’s always worth applying, so don’t let this discourage you. There’s still the essays, interviews, ect!</p>
<p>It’s good to hear also i think I should add that I have excellent grades, writing abilities for essays, and probably good recs. On the interview side, I’ve only interviewed at Hotchkiss and my interviewer really liked me and thought i stood out. I’m also an experienced pianist. I just wanted to mention all this to show that im decently well rounded besides the SSAT scores. Tell me what you guys think</p>
<p>81% overall isn’t that bad of a score. I would recommend focusing on the essays and hoping for the best, instead of using your time to study for the SSATs without knowing if you’ll improve or not. Also, you should really get to interviewing with all the other schools.</p>
<p>From what I’ve heard, 80% and up is what schools hope for, so you’re fine! You have to remember, SSATs probably aren’t going to be the deciding factor. There are people who have 99% and don’t get in to Exeter or Andover, but someone with an 80% might because they could bring more to the table. Seriously, don’t stress about it! Based on your credentials, I think you’re an excellent candidate for all schools. You really just have to put good vibes into your application and hope you get in. Make sure your upcoming interviews are strong and also try really hard on your essays. Let fate do its work and I’m sure you’ll be fine :)</p>