I did take the SSAT last October 17th. Unfortunately, I got a very low score of ***, and in the 36th (total 10th grade) and 39th (total gender 10th grade) percentile. My low test score is most likely because I have not been able to prepare for it. I got a total of 57 unanswered questions (mostly, questions not reached) and 16 incorrect answers - 77 correct answers. My VQR total 10th grade: gender 10th grade is 41:44, 52:51, 22:25, respectively. Even though I want to register for a new test, I can not afford to pay for it. I am able to take one because of a fee waiver given by *school.
What are the odds of being accepted in the top-tier schools? I am aware that my test score can adversely affect my chances of admissions, but is there still a good chance of being accepted? If not, what school(s) can I apply to that can fairly consider my current score and offer financial aid?
I am an active student-athlete, student leader, etc. I have also been scouted by an international organization, as well as numerous nationally and internationally accredited colleges and universities in USA and UK (including an Ivy League school for pre-college program … although I did not mention this/some of these in my application).
Ok, so 26 people have seen your post, and no one has given a response yet. Honestly, this is because no one wants to be the one to burst your bubble. Your scores are significantly lower than the average scores for the top tier schools. It is possible that a school would want you for your ECs, but do you really want to go to a school where you cannot handle the academics? Even if you are an amazing athlete, you have to be able to handle the classes, getting passing grades in all subjects, and fulfill the graduation requirements. Obviously, the top tier schools have more rigorous academics and may not be a good fit for you. Look into second or even third tier schools for a better fit and better chances of getting any financial aid. There is a place for you somewhere. If you were my kid, I would sit you down and steer you to more realistic options. Good luck.
@mexusa I forgot to mention that I have been out of school for a year now and I used it as, somewhat, a gap year to train for athletics. It is also my first time taking the test. And yea, I am aware that I am not most likely to be admitted in a top-tier with my current score of 1977.
In terms of academics, I would say that I am in the range of average to (?)slightly above average(?). I [almost] maintained straight As throughout my life […] I got a 4:5 A:B ratio in my 10th grade because of a very unfortunate family event. A huge number of people, including the faculty from my recent school, said that if I did not slack off, I can do way better than that. But that’s it. I already got the results.
Are there any schools you recommend (from second or third tier)?
Would it be best to identify schools in the mid-tier that have strong teams in the sport in which you excel? Contact the coaches directly so you can talk to them when you visit. Take the test again!
What is your sport? Agree with MAandME that you need to retest. But PREP first. Get an Algebra 1 refresher book and really push yourself on vocabulary. An hour a day of prep should make a big difference. Also, contact those coaches. Good luck.
Question: so you have been out of school, are trying as a PG? There are age limitations, so get informed about the rules for your sport. The ship may have sailed…
Honestly, I would look at some lower to mid tier schools. It sounds as though you identify as more of an athlete, so if you are trying to get a sport scholarship, your best bet is going to a powerhouse for whatever sport your playing rather than a “top school”
For example, in lacrosse you can play for Deerfield which is a top school, or Avon Old Farms which is less competitive but probably has similar matriculation for their lacrosse team because their program is one of the best.
Also, even for lower tier schools I would advise you to retake the SSAT. Even as a Competitive athlete, it’s going to be hard for the schools to justify taking someone who will significantly lower than average SSAT.
My two major sports are volleyball and swimming. If only one of these two is offered however, I would prefer someone that offers boys’ volleyball over the other. But if it is located in CA, IL, or near any of these cities from each statehttp://www.teamusa.org/usa-volleyball/high-performance/hp-indoor/boys/boys-tryouts, I might as well consider those who offer swimming and not volleyball.
I also do track and field, table tennis, tennis, etc. However, I didn’t participate to any of these in any competition since my previous school only allows single-sport participation per athlete, with exceptions to some students (including me) who can participate in two sports event. My fastest time recorded in track and field is 8.94s for 100m - if the coach timed it correctly-, which is my first and only time, in a low-medium uphill gradient.
With these given, I also want the school to be at least academically challenging/has a decent reputation in areas of math, sciences and philosophy.
It seems so hard to tell everything about my school life whilst keeping confidential information.
In my previous school, I am considered more of an academic achiever who finally learned what sports are. I maintained As all throughout, with exception to my 10th grade where I got 4 As and 5 Bs. This is because of emotional breakdown after a very unfortunate family event.
I would say that my VR scores are terrible since I got 653 and 617, respectively with a total of 11W and 44O). Q is a bit meh since I got 707 (5W and 13O). Yea, the scores are way sub par.
@mexusa I am applying for 11th grade, but also considering PG. Yes, I am informed about the rules, and next school year is most likely my last eligibility year to play for the team so it is a now or never.
I will do my best to look for a way to pay and register for a new test.
In regard with my sports, I already mentioned it in reply to @MAandMEmom, but it seems like it is still under review (if ever you read this one first). But in any case, here is the idea.
I have two main sports: volleyball and swimming. If only one of these two is offered, I would prefer the school that offers the boys’ volleyball instead of the boys’ swimming. However, I might consider schools who offers swimming (and not volleyball) if they are from any of these cities [or nearby cities within the state], except Hawaii. http://www.teamusa.org/usa-volleyball/high-performance/hp-indoor/boys/boys-tryouts
I also do track and field, table tennis, tennis, etc. I didn’t participate in any competition for these sports, except for intramural events, since my previous school only allows a single-sport participation per athlete, with except to few students (including me) who can participate to up to two sports. My fastest time in track in field is 8.94s for 100m - if the coach timed it right -, which is my first and only time, in a low-medium gradient.
In addition, I want the school to be at least academically challenging or has decent reputation in areas of math, science, and philosophy.
Because you mention financial aid, I must ask if you are a US citizen. It seems from my reading here that it would be highly difficult to get FA as an international student. I think especially as an upper or PG. Maybe others could chime in.
I have read several posts from people very familiar with the BS world that international FA is rare, rarer for upperclassmen. This is not even an issue if the SSAT scores are in the thirties. You must retake them and do much better on them. Then find a school on your list (for your sports) where your score is about 20 percentage points higher than the school’s average. That will help you get FA (if a US citizen). Good luck.
Following this thread very loosely, but unless your name is Usain Bolt, there is no chance your coach timed your 100m accurately. Anything sub-10 would have you on your country’s national track team.
Actually I personally know if one student at a well known BS who was specifically recruited for his sport. The kid was international and got a full ride. He transferred in at 10th grade. He was a terrible student so the SSAT scores were probably very low.
He was an exceptional athlete – Olympic caliber. So internationals can get FA sometimes.
I already talked with two AOs that I will be applying as an international student, but will be staying (or how do you call that) as a US Citizen (since I am currently living outside the US). I know it sounds confusing and I already explained it to them. They seem to be just fine with it.
And yes, I am working into finding another fee waiver for SSAT.
Yea, it [may] really sound absurd, but the other guy (I don’t know his name) (there are two timers and two runners at once … it’s more of a race) who is approximately 2-3s behind me was timed as 11.19. (I don’t really know [mine]. I didn’t time myself. If you will ask my opinion, it should be around 9.50s). Well, it was two and a half years ago. And I should not worry about that since it is not really my sport.
Dude! A 9.5 100 m is insane! Bolt’s fastest time in the 100 m is 9.58, so you are claiming that without any training you ran a race for fun and bested the best time on the planet EVER by 0.008 seconds???