Low SSAT scores and want to get into Exeter or Andover

Prep School Admissions Prep School Chances
1

Hey,

I am applying for Exeter and Andover in the fall of 2017 for 9th grade.
I took my SSAT’s on December 10th, but did not do well at all. Do keep in mind I am Mexican, so I hope this will make schools cut me some slack, especially in the verbal section.
Scores:
Reading- 674 (64%)
Verbal- 668 (53%)
Math- 779 (95%)
Overall- 2121 (78%)

My current grades range from 92% to 99% (A’s)
My grades are as follows:

Science 8- 97% (A)
Spanish 8- 95% (A)
Social Studies 8- 97% (A)
English 8- 93% (A)
Art 8- 96% (A)
Drama 8- 99% (A)
Algebra II Honors (10th grade)- 92% (A) (it will be bumped)
Band 8- 96% (A)
PHE 7/8- 99% (A)

In my school, we take a standardized test called the MAP’s; I got the following:

Math- 99th percentile
Reading- 96th percentile
Language- 96th percentile
Science- 92nd percentile

I do the following extra-curricular activities, including sports:

Model United Nations (MUN)- I have been a delegate, a chair, and a moderator. I have participated in in-school and out-of-school simulations.
Band- I have been in band since 6th grade, and I play the Baritone/Euphonium
Ambassadors- I am in my school’s ambassador program. It is based on helping new students from different cultures adapt, and raising school spirit.
Global Issues Network (GIN)- This program is about picking a problem in the local community, and finding ways to fix it. Last year it was making biogas.
Public Speaking- I entered two contests. Although these public speaking contests were in Spanish, I also know how to speak well in English.
Community Service- I have been part of an organization called Niños en Accion (NEA) for over 6 years, where I have done every type of community service imaginable.
Golf- I have played golf for two years, and have been in the top 5 places in tournaments in about 5 of these tournaments.
I am open to playing soccer (I played it for about 5 years in elementary) and swimming (I really like it). I also really like skiing.

Summer Programs:

I was accepted into camp BizSmart(entrepreneurial camp) and was CEO of the business(I went in the summer leading into 6th grade)

I was accepted into camp SIG Yale (academic camp) and got very good reviews from teachers (can be given upon further request as login is needed). I attended classes that focused on math, theoretical physics, business math, and international relations.

I think I did very well in my interviews, especially that of Exeter.
I think I am doing pretty well with my essays.
I think my recommendation letters are superb, especially since one of them was written by my superintendent.

Please tell me my chances of getting into either one of the two schools mentioned.

2

Are you planning on taking the January SSAT? Other than your verbal and reading scores on the test you sound like a strong applicant but I haven’t any idea how much being an international URM will compensate for your lower-than-the-average score for these schools. As for sports you’ve got the 3 seasons covered: soccer in the fall, swim or ski in the winter and golf in the spring. Have you reached out to coaches especially for golf? I particularly recall that golf engagement seemed slim when we attended admissions events at both schools so perhaps the schools would be interested in kids who will participate and contribute in that sport.

3

I do. Zip. Zilch. Nada.

URM is only a hook for domestic applicants.

4

I am planning on taking the TOFEL, since maybe that can prove that the SSAT’s were not the right tests to measure my English skills. But, let’s say I don’t take it: how big do you think my chances are of being accepted into either of these schools? Do you think that taking the TOFEL will greatly boost my chances?

5

I believe that international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required to submit TOEFL scores to almost all schools. It is listed as a requirement on most of the application checklists.

6

Yea, but although I am from a non-english speaking country, I do go to a school where I have been taught english for more than 4 years.

7

And almost all the Asian kids in boarding schools have studied English their entire lives, not just four years. They all still had to take the TOEFL.

8

@applyer1 @Kthor626 Exeter says on their website that “We strongly recommend the TOEFL for students who do not speak English as a primary language and haven’t been in an English-speaking school for the last two years.” I don’t know your situation here so you guys determine that on your own.

9

I would recommend trying to get those SSATs up. Your grades and extracurriculars look awesome, however. Maybe they will compensate for the SSATs.