Our daughter took the SSAT recently and got a very low SSAT score (Verbal-41 percentile; Quant - 7 p; Reading - 39 p; 23 percentile overall). She was planning to apply to all-girls schools - Emma Willard, Ethel Walker, Chatham Hall, Miss Porter’s etc. With these scores, should she even apply? Help!
I think she needs to retake in January. Is she generally a strong student? Does she have accommodations in school? Do you think it’s possible she mis-bubbled?
Thanks. She is a strong student in school, but struggles with standardized tests. No, she does not have accommodations in school. She is retaking it tomorrow, but I understand scores don’t change that much.
A few practice tests might help if you can manage it. I’ve known several kids, including one of my own, whose scores dramatically improved. Sometimes kids just need a bit of familiarity with the test.
Thanks, Temperantia!
@Temperantia I just wanted to give you some hope that the lower the starting score, the “easier” it is to have a BIG shift upward. Given she is a solid student in school, so she has a nice content base, I will bet anything that the familiarity component will help a ton, and you will see a huge shift. Crossing my fingers for her tomorrow!
Another thought – it might help (or not, depending on your DD) to consider that there is a February test as well. This might help in two ways:
- Even if you submit the January scores, you could boost the application with February test scores if they are significantly better. The schools you are mentioning I believe are more flexible about deadlines and might take an additional data point if it's compelling. (Personally, in that case, i would probably submit January, take February, get scores, and THEN decide whether it's worth a call to HOA to see about adding new scores.)
- Just knowing that you have a potential backup plan might reduce the stress on your DD tomorrow, which may give her the performance boost she needs. (making February test not necessary.)
One final idea: If tomorrow doesn’t go well, you could also consider taking a flex test, assuming you haven’t taken one this year already. Or even just talk about this as an option if it will reduce tomorrow stress.
Caveat: you know your DD – would mention of “hey this isn’t the last chance” be helpful or stressful? Only you know.
Oh oops…that message was for @pluto19 not @Temperantia
@pluto19 I’ve seen scores improve drastically from the first to the second ssat. Has she been doing practice tests or tutoring since the first test?
Hi Calliemomofgirls:
Thanks for the great suggestions! Your encouragement makes me feel relieved. She is taking the test tomorrow and I like the idea of keeping Feb as a back up. I also appreciate the importance of keeping her positively motivated.
I thought one needs an accommodation form (504?) to take the flex test?
She has been taking practice tests and doing an online tutorial. Keeping my fingers crossed! Thanks.
@pluto19 Flex test is NOT the same thing as accommodations. It’s just taking the test on a non-standard day, usually with a consultant (so it’s more expensive, but not by much really). Go check out the SSAT website for info on the difference between flex and accommodations.
Btw – my all caps for NOT came out more intense than intended. :).
Thanks! No worries about the caps:-)