<p>I think it’s easier to do well in December because your SSAT scores are based off of the scores of the other people taking the SSATs on that day, so in December it’s mostly repeat kids who did poorly or who want a better score. You never know the outcome…</p>
<p>I hunk it was fine… Except for the last math section… That’s all.</p>
<p>Your score is based off of just the people who were tested that day? I thought it was all of them this year so far.</p>
<p>Todays test was extremly hard for me I didn’t know half of the vocabulary words I’m hoping to take it again</p>
<p>@laughalittle: Really? I think, according to the officials, it’s based off the past 3 years…</p>
<p>Anyway, I’m pretty sure I did crappy on it, since I had to skip 5 questions. (I wanted a 99%, so.)</p>
<p>My mind went blank during the first math section so I couldn’t finish everything and I’m sure I got some stuff wrong. Ugh, now I gotta just focus on the essays…</p>
<p>Couple of things:</p>
<p>-Pretty sure that each test has its own level of difficulty and is scaled within itself. This topic came up last year…that it is possible to get every single question right and still not get a 2400. I wrote to SSAT and they confirmed this…there is some variability from test to test in difficulty as it is impossible to have the identical level of difficulty. So, on an “easier” version of the test, you could get all questions correct and still get a 2380/90-something. </p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-admissions/1052255-how-common-2400-ssat.html?highlight=2400+ssat[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-admissions/1052255-how-common-2400-ssat.html?highlight=2400+ssat</a></p>
<p>See Post #26 for the official SSAT response.</p>
<p>My point is, if this truly was a “harder” version of the test, then there will be more forgiveness of skipped/wrong answers. So perhaps the concern is premature.</p>
<p>-Second, while it is totally possible to get into the most selective schools without 90+ percentile scores, know that the applicant pools for these schools are stacked with kids who do have 90+ scores. This brings up two points of advice: 1) It might be a good idea to make your “apply to” list AFTER you get your scores (and as someone already noted, take the October test if you know in the summer that you want to apply to BS); 2) kids with 99%-ile scores get rejected and waitlisted all the time, so think about what else make you a strong candidate.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Oh my goodness – so it wasn’t just me?! It was a lot harder than I thought it’d be…I was getting really high scores in my practice book. /sigh
I was wallowing in despair today after the test, haha. I was pretty upset about it, because I did really well in my practice tests in the book…I think a 90+ in almost every section the first time around, with no studying at all. I found the math in the practice tests to be incredibly easy, so I wasn’t concerned about that at all. But I omitted like, 5 math questions today… -__-</p>
<p>Only thing is – now I can’t take it in January because that’s when I have my interview with PEA. Any advice to a distressed applicant? :/</p>
<p>Ask if you can take it in Feb. I’m sure the school your applying to will understand, but wait and see what you got, it might be better then you think.</p>
<p>Is that allowed? o_o;; But yeah, I’ll wait for my scores. Thanks! :)</p>
<p>Hey guys, I took the test in October! First off, remember that the test is created for kids through 11th grade! A lot of the questions are not an 8th or 9th grade level, so don’t stress! Also, your percentage is only compared to your grade level, so you probably did better than you thought. When I took the test, I thought I had done horribly on it, but I ended up getting a 98% and a perfect score in verbal, so relax! Also, there are many schools like Northfield Mount Hermon, The Gunnery, Westover, and Berkshire that aren’t filled with 90% plus kids. There are many schools whose averages are in the 60’s! And remember, if you don’t do as well as you hoped make sure that you have high grades, great character, and are involved in your school and/or community. That is what most schools want in a student, and is why many kids who do exceptionally well on tests aren’t always accepted to the top schools. Also, make sure to highlight what makes you unique and different from other applicants. Good luck!</p>
<p>actually, your test score is how well you did compared to the last three years of students in your grade level, so everyone who took the test this year, last year, and the year before who was or is in your grade=)</p>
<p>I heard SSAT scores are based off the scores of the people who have taken the SSATs during that test date/that month for the past 3 years. So…</p>
<p>Okay guys - it’s over with! I think it’s time we all give ourselves a pat on the back for finally getting this darn test over with ;). Did anyone find the math section(s) notably difficult? I remember the second math section and the analogies part of the verbal section kind of hard. But, for now, I think we should all try not to worry - at least not until the scores are released. haha:)</p>
<p>@aubreygal… That’s exactly what I thought!!!</p>
<p>Hi everyone. Involved parent new to the board … daughter applying to one of the very selective schools. (We are applying for Sophomore year. If we don’t get in maybe we will cast the net wider next year.) Took the SSAT test today and I’m wringing my hands … what do you think of her chances?</p>
<p>About six months ago she took the SAT and scored: 590/640/620 = 1850</p>
<p>She told me yesterday’s SSAT test was easier than the SAT, but that may just reflect the fact that it was shorter? Said she strategically didn’t answer about five questions because she couldn’t make an educated guess, but overall she feels real good about the test.</p>
<p>Thoughts on how she might score? Also, best estimates on when we should get results?</p>
<p>Oh yeah, she said she had a wonderful essay, but it ran too long and only got 1-2 sentences into her conclusion before time was called. So basically she never concluded or wrapped her piece. We’re not sweating it though, as writing is her strength and her application essays will be very strong.</p>
<p>Thoughts welcome, and best of luck to all.</p>
<p>@inchoatehere - You may want to start a Chances thread? But I’d say your D has a good chance, as do many others. If writing is her forte, it’s good that at least she wrote a good few paragraphs rather than more than a few rushed ones. And sophomore year applicants aren’t as common to come by, so that probably ups her chances!</p>
<p>I’m freaking out guys, does skipping questions heavily affect your score? I thought it neither added or subtracted points! I don’t think I skipped that many, but stil!</p>
<p>I skipped quite a few questions… but no, it doesn’t negatively harm your score. It just doesn’t add/subtract anything.</p>
<p>…I’m so scared. D:</p>
<p>Same here! I’m pretty confident about everything except the reading comprehension section. I hope that a badd score there won’t weigh me down :(</p>