<p>D just got her 12/9 scores: all mid 60's. PA and PE are toast, but what about middle tier ISLs: GDA, Brooks? Straight A's and EC's are in-order, but is this a disaster for her chances for those level schools? Not sure if we should retest on 1/6 , because scores could go down (she crammed for this one pretty hard). Seeking advice?</p>
<p>If she has good character, interviews well (well spoken), and her references are solid, schools recognize that not everyone fills in the bubbles well.</p>
<p>Are you applying for FA for your D?</p>
<p>Definitely take it again. Most schools only count the higher one, not the currant, and sometimes you just have a bad day. If her heart is set on Andover or Exeter, you might just want to try an application. If they really like her, she still has a slight chance. I would advise you to continue, with the 'middle tier' boarding schools, if that's want she really wants.</p>
<p>Just remember, it isn't the school name on the diploma that counts, it is what she does to achieve it and how she stands out where she is at. </p>
<p>My D didn't have great test scores either, not that we had AESD dreams.</p>
<p>I had an interesting talk with my D's advisor. I asked her about where she saw my D in 4 years schoolwise. She came out and said that their school's honors courses (that my D is in) are not as high level as the Andover/Exeter/St Pauls honors classes, but that with the level of achievement she is showing that many great LACs in the region would be a very good fit for her.</p>
<p>The message here is that you need to focus on the "soft stuff" - finding an atmosphere that is comfortable for your D and fits your daughter's learning needs. They will find a way to challenger her academically and make her a success.</p>
<p>Agree with Goaliedad. At my son's prep school, I suspect there were plenty of kids with SSATs in the mid 60s. I know the MAPL schools accept in that range. Go for fit. My son had plenty of classmates accepted at highly selective colleges- including himself. Don't worry.</p>
<p>There are many boarding schools that routinely send the top 10% - 30% of their class to top colleges. 65% is a great score and way above the national average. There are MANY boarding schools that would find her to be a very attractive candidate. In "The Greenes' Guide to Boarding Schools" Howard and Matthew Greene advise going to schools in which the student can be in the top third of the class while playing sports, arts, ec's, etc. That student will be a very attractive college applicant.</p>