First message here, but I’ve been lurking on here this weekend. I’m applying to boarding schools, it’s a long shot but I have a hook and nothing really to lose. However, my ssat scores are terrible and I can’t retake my test but I remember it being recommended to someone to send their isee scores. Should I send that to try and balance out my bad ssat?
Or is it even a valid option?
I know that most schools do accept the ISEE or the SSAT, however, according to most AO’s they do prefer the SSAT. It is your choice, but it also depends on the level of selectivity of the schools and the actual score. More importantly it would be helpful to know what schools you are applying to–not necessarily each one but whether they are GLADCHEMMS or HADES schools and whether a “bad” score is in the low 80s or high 70s.
Send both
@CC4life the scores are lower than that and they are GLADCHEMMS but like I said I have nothing to lose and I just don’t want that to be the AOs only look at how I take tests. We’ll see how things turn out but I would just like to up my chances even if just a little bit.
Both are terrible acronyms, but one contains the other: GLADCHEMS 
As we say here over and over, the test scores are only used as an indication of whether or not you can handle the academics at any given school. As long as your scores are at or above average for the schools you are applying to, they will not be the reason for admission or rejection at those schools. If they are significantly below, there needs to be something else in your application that indicates you can be academically successful at that school. Regardless of your scores or your hook, you should consider casting a net beyond those acronyms if remaining in your current school system is not a good option.
I agree with @ChoatieMom on how ridiculous the idea of these acronyms are but I cannot understand why people believe HADES schools are for some reasons better or deserving of an acronym outside of the basic GLADCHEMS. I do want to add that there are MANY other schools that are as good as GLADCHEMS.
@CC4life It’s the prestige.
@YoungThriver I can, to some extent understand that, but is it possible to leave a school such as Choate and Groton outside of such an acronym if Hotchkiss is included?
MODERATOR’S NOTE:
Let’s move off the discussion of the silly acronyms please; it’s off-topic to the original question.
@CC4life My thoughts exactly. My guess is some random person came up with the acronym and everybody just followed.
@goldcookie12 How good are your ISEE scores? If they’re great, I don’t really see the point in submitting “poor” SSAT scores.
Agree with YoungThriver. It really depends on how good your ISEE scores are.
@YoungThriver @Stillwater0808 my scores are generally above average and i think they’ll help since they aren’t bad.
Although AOs may prefer SSATs, since they accept both I would only send the higher scores. My kids have only taken the ISEE and have had very good admissions results.
@HMom16 I just sent both scores