Sorry…I know it’s here somewhere…just can’t put my finger on it…can someone please point me to the post(s) that list SSAT average/median scores accepted at various schools? Seriously, I know it’s here…thank you!!! Preferably from 2014/15
Hi,
I think I have seen lists in the past, but not sure if they were up to date. If you go to Boarding School Review, and type in a specific school, they often give this data under the section titled “Admission” (scroll down). I looked at this recently for a school and noticed that it matched the data the school had just provided. So it appears to be up to date and correct.
I believe you can also do a search on that site for schools by SSAT ranges? I am not positive.
@6teenSearch thanks and yes, I am familiar with BSR’s data. However, their data lags behind a bit in other areas (acceptance rates, for instance) and so I am a little skeptical about their SSAT numbers as well.
Yes, I was skeptical too. That was why I mentioned "I looked at this recently for a school and noticed that it matched the data the school had just provided. "
More specifically, I have in my hand a brochure titled “Groton School Facts 2015-16” that I just received from the school. It says "Median SSAT score (2011-2015): 90%.
I don’t check BSR that often, but I thought I recalled that it did not always have that data for the top schools. IIRC it was either blank or had a range. So, out of curiosity, I went back to BSR and saw they did, indeed, have the 90% number. I then noticed they had an exact figure for some other top schools as well, which I could have sworn were expressed as ranges before (eg Exeter, <90% for example).
So, BSR is accurate for Groton. I suppose one could simply call the schools, if indeed they make it public like Groton.
Typo; that is Exeter >90% of course.
FYI, I happened to come across this post. I don’t know if there us a newer post.
With regard to SSAT scores, I was told by AOs at two very selective schools some form of “anything over a mid 80s-percentile and the SSAT scores won’t be the thing that prevents a kid from getting in”.
I’ve heard that too (mid80s and up). The kids seem to think it has to lead with a 9 before they are comfortable, though.
LOL, You have to love the phrasing of the AOL. It won’t be “the” thing that prevents them from getting in … but it is implied that “something” will prevent them of course!
I’m not sure if this should be a different post, but the Character Skills Assessment that Choate. L’ville, Groton, PA, PE, etc are beta testing with the SSAT board is intriguing. I think we all know that, while some baseline academic competency is necessary, the things that distinguish among high achievers are mostly character traits (and opportunity).
OTOH, be careful what you wish for. I have looked at the CSA and it seems straightforward but I am sure it is not!
The thing about scores that bothers me is…well there are a few things, but here are two:
- People seem to have some threshold in their mind as to where they/their student "should" be, score wise, Whether it starts with a 9 or has two 9s in it, etc. And all I can say is that my older daughter had a 2380-something (1 wrong answer on math section) and still got REJECTED by Choate. So even as close to perfect as you can get without being perfect isn't the magic bullet.
- People don't seem to use the scores as a guide in selecting schools to apply to...which I just don't get. If you had to take the test 3 times to break the 80%-ile, maybe Exeter isn't going to be a good fit for you academcially? To use 6teenSearch's college analog, if you had an 1800 SAT, would you apply to Harvard, Yale, and Princeton only? (Of course, if your last name was Rockefeller and you were an amazing quarterback or hockey player, you might...but again, people who fall into this category are few and far between.)
Yeah, I don’t think they are thinking “magic bullet” (your point one) so much as baseline for targeting a school (your point two).
If you are wondering if you have a magic bullet, it means your probably don’t. LOL. Like Malia isn’t wondering.
What do you think of the CSA concept? I think maybe in 10-20 years they will have something. But there is an element about it that is a bit disturbing. I can’t quite put my finger on it …
I like the CSA concept - Cate is part of that Beta group and we heard a little bit about it last year. I think that high test scores and grades are not necessarily a predictor of success in BS. With so many kids at the top (99% SSATs, straight As, athlete, musician etc) it can be hard to differentiate them and determine which ones would thrive. “Grit” is certainly an overused word in education these days, but I think that it’s an important trait. I see the CSA as a bit of a “grit-search” 
Just noticed an interesting fact - Andover now seems to downplay the high average/median SSAT scores of their students. I don’t see it’s being mentioned anywhere on the Admissions page anymore (and I think it used to).
I would second Sevendad’s comments about using the SSAT score as important information about where your child might be successful.
SSAT may indeed be a good indicator, but how do you allow for kids who may not test well? I think you have to know your kid and if they test well and you feel the score is a good indicator, then makes sense to use as a measure.
@sadieshadow: Are you talking about deciding on what schools to apply, or what schools to attend (if you have options) based SSAT scores? If it’s the former, it may make sense because one can only apply to so many schools and therefore should focus one’s resources on realistic prospects…
But if it’s the latter, I have to ask what defines “successful”? GPA? But a 3.5 in school A does not necessarily mean less successful than 3.8 in school B. Class ranking? But the valedictorian in school A may not be as well prepared as a student with a lower rank in school B. College? But a student in top 25% from school A may end up at the same level of college with a student in top 50% from school B.
Ah. .it really is a very personal (individual) issue. I agree with your points about college placement but that is not my concern. I want my child to have an experience during high school in which he is valued and feels he is getting results for his efforts. So–I will be emphasizing “fit” over getting in to the best (as defined by selectivity or SSAT score).
@sadieshadow: You were actually using SSAT to evaluate “fit”, and the metric of “fit” you were evaluating apparently was “successful”. I was just questioning what your definition of “success” was and how SSAT could help determine that “fit”. In reality, in most if not all cases only students within the acceptable range of SSAT scores to the school would be accepted, and I don’t think at that point many people would still use SSAT to help evaluate “fit” and determine which school to enroll, and rightfully so.
I guess I was making some assumption that schools with the highest SSAT scores and selectivity may also be those with the most rigorous curriculums. That certainly may be a faulty assumption. As far as my definition of success, I just meant my child thriving, working hard and feeling good about the product of his work effort. So–I was making the connection that if my child might enjoy and be less stressed at a school where his scores were well above the median for his school. Honestly–I don’t feel strongly about any of this! My initial comment should have really been that I agreed with Sevendad when he said:
- People don't seem to use the scores as a guide in selecting schools to apply to...which I just don't get. If you had to take the test 3 times to break the 80%-ile, maybe Exeter isn't going to be a good fit for you academcially?
I was talking of the converse: maybe if you can get scores in the high 90s you might be happier at a school with median scores below that . . .
I don’t disagree with that. You do know there are many, many students who would score in the high 90’s choose to attend schools that don’t even have selective admission, happy and thriving. I am saying there is an easier way to find a comfy place or even a “middle ground”. Anyway, as you said, it’s a personal decision. Thanks for bearing with me for playing with ideas on paper.