My guess is that going test optional just by itself will result in proportionally more FP admits.
TO → focus on school performance/EC → people with money have more access to resources. → more FP admits.
Also, AOs may be more comfortable accepting kids from schools they know over taking a flyer on a public school kid. That means private schools which means more kids with resources.
I am not worried about the budget impacting admissions too much, except that the economy may expedite financial trends already happening - good and bad.
One caveat to the idea that supply of financial aid will not drop: it is certainly possible that some BS endowments took hits in 2020 despite the global stock and bond markets being higher. The BS endowments tend to have relatively low percentages in traditional stock and bond investments and more in so-called alternative investments, including hedge funds, private equity and real estate. Some of these doubtlessly lost big-time in 2020.
With less info to confirm whether a kid can do the work, the schools will fall back on what they know - the schools kids come from and extracurriculars. Private schools and extracurriculars cost money. So people with money will benefit from TO more than those without.
Very good point, and likely correct. Private schools are known quantities and have counselors with relationships and motivation to place their students in top schools.
It will be very interesting to see if the same plays out for colleges, especially top public universities that are TO and much more likely to need FPs to make up for state education spending cuts.
What about well known public school? I go to a nationally ranked, well known public school known on a national level by college admissions. Do you think this could be the same for prep schools?
Endowments only saw a 2-3% increase in 2020, due to the portfolio differences you mention. But that’s also the average. So some schools are well south of that and likely in a real pickle with both tuition and endowment hits.
@lilyesh - I am not in a position to advise anyone about whether to submit scores or not. It is one thing to hypothesize generically, and it is entirely another to give a specific person advice about their application. I am no expert. I would feel horrible telling you to do something and be wrong.
You should do what puts you in the best light.
Well-known public schools that place students into boarding schools are similar to private schools in the AOs eyes, I would think.
Thanks so much for your input. Many kids from my school apply to HADES + friends. I think they know what they’re dealing with when they see an applicant from my school.
I go to a lesser-known private school but transferred from a top middle school in my state. The SSAT would show how much I’ve learned at my school, right? Also, is there a source to find correct ssat medians for top BSs?
I don’t know anywhere where you can find that information. I know Thacher discloses theirs. The median is an 84th%ile. I heard somewhere that St. Paul’s is 88, but it was off CC and I’m not sure how accurate that is. I wish I knew the medians too, but sadly I don’t. If anyone knows the median at any boarding school, don’t hesitate to share! It would really help.
The schools update their data on the site, so it is accurate.
Don’t “count on” your SSAT score. Just assume that if its above the average for the school, you are probably better off submitting your score than not doing so. That score will just let the school know that you will likely not struggle academically (assuming your grades are good too). But your score will NOT get you admitted.
I think for me personally, scores do matter, only because I tested out of a class and need to prove that it was a smart decision. I have the grades for acceptance, especially since I’m taking math 3 years ahead, an ap course, and spanish 2 years ahead all in eighth grade. It’s the SSAT that I feel would prove how rigorous my school can be.
I’m also depending on breaking the white boy stereotypes, and my geographical location.
Your scores will matter no more or less than anyone else who submits them. SSAT (or ISEE) scores only prove how well you tested compared to the cohort that took the test. Some kids test well, some don’t. Standardized test scores correlate most with family income, rather than measures of success or aptitude. That being said, they have some finite value in a holistic review of an applicant. In short, don’t rely on your scores. Let your LORs, essays and short answers tell your story.
What exactly is a “white boy stereotype”? Since I have two white sons that attend BS, I suppose I should know where they fit in.
just my opinion.