Is it really useful to take the test more than once? With all the practice and study materials out there is there really a benefit to spending the money and time to take the test for a second time? We are considering allowing DD to test a second time depending on the score (her test is this weekend), but also unsure if it will make a difference.
My DD took the test twice – same early October as your daughter and then again in early December. While individual component scores varied, the overall was similar. I can’t see taking it a third time unless something is way off like the child is sick on the test day.
Our kid took it twice–it was the kid’s idea because one area was quite a bit weaker than the other two although the overall was pretty good. On the second test the weak area improved but the overall stayed the same. So in terms of a superscore it helped somewhat. One admissions director did tell us that AppleKid’s desire to take the test again showed that AppleKid really wanted to get admitted. I guess wait and see how the score comes in and then decide.
My daughter is scheduled to take the SSAT for the first time on Saturday, so I have the same question as the OP. I think I’ve read somewhere that kids almost automatically score higher (in spite of @MAandMEmom’s experience) the second time around due solely to being familiar with the test. I have been working with my daughter since June to study for the test, and I am SO READY for this to the be the only time around. However, no matter how she does, I think I will end up wanting her to take it again in December and to do the online practices on the SSAT website before December 10. Unlike @AppleNotFar, I was thinking of waiting until her December scores show up before sending the best scores of the two tests to the schools she is applying at, rather than automatically sending schools her October scores. If I do that, then schools wouldn’t see her really wanting to get admitted, as AppleNotFar experienced. Thoughts?
@CAClover AppleKid actually didn’t submit the first set of scores automatically. We waited for the scores and then AppleKid decided to take the test again but also decided to submit the results because the overall was within the range for the schools on AppleKid’s list. AppleKid was different than many here in that the December test was the kid’s first time taking the test, having not decided to apply to schools until late October and wanting time to study. Also driving the decision to submit the December scores even though the test would be taken again was that coaches were asking about test results. Right after submitting the results to the schools AppleKid sent emails to the coaches with the first test score and also explained that the January test would be taken to try to improve the less than fabulous area.
@CAClover Why not wait to send any scores until after the second test and then you can decide to send just the best or both scores? Also, AppleKid was far happier with the writing sample on the second test. I’ve read some posts here which suggest that the AO’s don’t really read the writing samples but I’m not convinced. To me a timed writing sample under pressure with no possible opportunity for someone else to provide editorial feedback would mean a lot. If nothing else it would provide a good comparison to the application essays.
@AppleNotFar
So I am traveling and the country I am in doesn’t have a lot of SSAT dates… How much of a difference do you think it would make to take it two times?
That is what I was originally planning on doing: having my daughter take both the October and the December tests and then forwarding to the schools the higher score. I think that is still the plan; it’s just that . . . I would love to be done after this first test. It’s stressful, and I figure after we get the October results, I’ll be back to pushing her to study, and the whole thing gets a little old!
We are talking about allowing her to take the Jan 7 test since we will be near a testing spot while on Christmas holiday, otherwise we wouldn’t because this weekend we are travelling 8+ hours to the nearest testing spot for her to take it - which is a day off of work for my spouse and myself, hotel, meals, dog kenneling etc.
We live in northern CA, and we have to close to two hours to get to the testing center. I decided to spend the night in a motel close to the testing center so my daughter can get more sleep. I know what you mean, @makp715, about the hassle and the expense. We don’t live far from the Sacramento, yet there is no testing in the state’s capital. Seems odd to me.
My son is also taking it this weekend. We will wait to see the results and then if necessary do the December one.
I’m surprised to see that so many have to travel so far to take the exam. In our area there are numerous testing sites. For the October one there are about 20 within a two hour drive. I was a bit annoyed that we have to travel 30 minutes to get to the one we finally chose. The expenses really go up when you have to travel and stay in hotels!
My kid took it as an experiment in 7th grade and did great in two areas and not so great in the third. It helped focus his preparation. When it came to testing in 8th grade, we registered him to take it twice. However, his Oct test hit the targets he was aiming for so he was done. Unfortunately, you can’t get a refund if you decide not to take a test after registering.
So…glad he didn’t have to retest but wish we had waited for the scores before registering for the second test.
Our plan was to do it once – we didn’t have to stay in a hotel, but it wasn’t just around the corner either. As it happened, the night before, DS was up sick all night and was still feeling lousy in the morning with a stomach flu. He decided to give it a go, knowing that we could cancel the score if he couldn’t hang in for the whole test. He finished but came out wanting to take it again. He did do better the second time, but that wasn’t a big surprise given the circumstances. You can wait to see the scores before you sign up for a second time.
Honestly, I don’t think that the SSAT carries the weight in this process that SAT scores do for college, so if you’re in the ballpark for the schools you’re considering, I’d skip the second test. Of course, if your child gets nervous about testing or has some other reason for feeling more comfortable having a second bite at the apple, go for it, but there are so many other things to be done that it sort of feels like overkill.
Mine took it twice (sick as a dog the first time) and scored very similarly each time. Many moons ago, I had the same experience myself. I suppose that means the test works…
@Atria Since you are a re-applicant I am assuming that you took the test during the last admissions cycle? So you probably have a good idea what type of score to expect, and I also imagine that you’ve done your fair share of studying for it. The fact that you are re-applying certainly seems to send the message that you are quite keen on getting into BS!
@AppleNotFar … I took the ISEE last year… The last time I took SSAT was back in 6th grade… So I remember the middle level format and have no upper level practice … Oh well X_X
Can schools see your previous scores?
Only if you send those scores to the particular school. You should wait to see your scores before sending them.
A few years ago there was a note that SSAT was taken multiple times (a small asterisk) but schools only saw scored that were sent. I don’t know if this has changed.
Maybe this helps, you can find it here: https://ssat.org/scores/sending-scores