So on my SSAT, my score was an overall 2178, which placed me in the 86th percentile. (Definitely not as good as many, MANY other applicants on this site. F u n.)
The individual sections were scored as follows:
V: 764 (94%)
Q: 731 (77%)
R: 683 (69%)
The math score was expected. I’m actual trash at math. But, there’s such a big difference between my verbal and reading?! I was really angry at myself when I got the score, because in the practice tests I took, I always scored higher in the reading section.
I can’t retake the test. Will AO’s see the big jump between my V/R scores as a red flag? It doesn’t really make sense for a kid to score so high in verbal and do so badly in reading.
I know how to read, I promise…
Any advice is welcome, thanks so much!
All I can offer is that any composite score above an 85% is excellent.
Thanks, I’ve heard that from multiple people on this site. Just gotta hope it’ll stay true for me, lol.
I got 99 Verbal and 83 reading, they aren’t really correlated. Verbal is just your vocab knowledge. Reading is comprehension.
My son was in a similar boat, but his was a lower math score. I believe his overall was an 89th percentile and he got in to a school that has a 94% average…at least according to the internet superhighway.
As you know, 85%+ is pretty elite company on this test. Don’t overthink it, you are in great shape.
Your score is very high, and puts you in the range for the most selective/academic boarding schools. Please don’t be swayed by all the posts from kids with ridiculous scores on CC – a) they aren’t representative of the applicant pool and b) this is anonymous forum, we have no way of knowing if they are true.
Your score is just fine and imo puts you within the cut off for any elite BS. If you don’t get in it is very unlikely to have anything to do with your score. Let it go and make sure the rest of your application is excellent.
I have been told “we don’t really dig down into scores unless we are concerned”. AOs will see 85% and not be concerned.
Over the past couple of years, students have reported much more variability on the Reading score of the SSAT. It seems that there has also been differences among test experiences with timing and/or completing all the items on Reading Comprehension. Maybe you couldn’t complete reading all the items? Did they throw in that Ye Olde English poem? The difference between your verbal and reading score could reflect a time crunch - or maybe not completing the items in time? I would not worry because your math and verbal are solid, with a strong composite score.
Thanks all for your reassurances and advice. It’s all super helpful, and I’m glad that so many people in this community are so supportive. 
The SSAT won’t get you in. My kid got 99% overall in a single test ( perfect math, lowest in verbal-didn’t study beforehand, and strong reading). If the reading was switched with math, the score would not have been as high. My kid decided not to retake the test to raise the verbal-thought about it then realized how silly it would be. Kid got into 2/4 schools.
Focus on your interview and essays. And also make sure you get good recommendations. Schools are more interested in the unique aspects of you. And hope you get a good interviewer for YOU. Some are really easy to speak with and some are not.
im taking the test in november and i am really worried about my verbal skills however my math and reading skills are fine. If it is no trouble could you tell me what you did to prep for you vocabulary? Also, is the actual SSAT easier than mock tests?
- no , the SSAT is not easier than mock tests
- we found a app for analogies- there are different styles of analogies
- vocab included words kids don’t use so learn basic Greek & Latin roots …
- if you don’t mind me asking, are you foreign or overseas ESL?i only ask because if you are the I have a different suggestion
I am a citizen here in the US. I have done and tried the roots, but at this point since my test is in two weeks i am just doing straight up vocabulary. thanks for the suggestion. i will look into it and could you please tell me the app for analogies?
Try to do many practice tests! During the actual test, try not to get stuck on a difficult problem - just move forward to the next one during Reading Comprehension.
@TheHappinessFund you will be fine. SSAT’s a step in the door, and as long as you’re above 85% you’ll be golden. Focus on those essays and interviews, they’re far more important!
Did you take the October test? Or another one? I know for my October SSAT I got a weird score as well (verbal had the highest score, reading had the lowest score) which is really strange since verbal is my worst and reading is usually my best. I’m not too upset, but I just wanted to tell you you’re not alone! I think schools will understand if many students have the same experience. Good luck!
I took a flex test actually, September 28th? No idea how those are scored, but maybe? Idk lol.
ahhhh no b u did great
I don’t want to re-test but being the asian my mom is
SHE SIGNED ME UP FOR ALL THE DAYS I HAVE INTERVIEWS IM CRYING
but idk man, since the test changes by month it’s never the same and I really just don’t want to take it.
you have a good resume tho smh ur golden boi