When to share/submit SSAT scores to a Private High School

For the SSAT, can you share the scores way before you actually apply, or do you share them using the code when you apply?

You can do either way. But I recommend sharing them with the code later. After you are completely sure that you won’t take any more SSAT.

Most do it after the take the test and decide on the schools to which they are applying. There is no reason at send them in advance of that. The only reason to ever consider pre-sending them is if you are taking a very late test–say January of the application year–and you want to have them in the hands of the admissions office at that time. There is absolutely nothing they will do with this information until they evaluate the admissions package as a whole.

I generally agree that sending the results early is not of any benefit and that there should be some thoughtfulness with regard to which schools the scores are sent. But my sense is that if they are available, the scores should get sent in before the interviews are conducted so that the interviewer has that information available for the interview.

@AppleNotFar @Mr.Wendal I have another question, When should I apply for the schools that I have decided on? Because I still haven’t got all my documents ready. I still have to take a AMC 8 in late november, so I am not sure whether or not to apply now or later.

This information is available on each school’s website, but tends to be around January 15th. There is generally a checklist-type form on basic information and student interest that is filled out prior, usually early fall, prior to on-campus or phone interviews, which also generally need to be completed around the end of January.

Again–to be clear–this is not a “rolling admission” type process. Thousands of kids reach out to these schools and fill out basic forms who never wind up applying. For that reason, admissions officers do not look at any of these things until late January/early February in most cases. There are important things–such as your first semester transcripts from 8th grade–that won’t be available until January.

Also, if you do well on the AMC8 and decide to take the AMC10 after submitting your application, you can always reach out and let the schools know your AMC10 scores. (For example)

@Mr.Wendal @carpoolingma So, I should wait for my 8th grade first semester transcripts before applying? And I can probably only get the scores for the AMC 8 in December, so should I apply in January?

You will definitely need 8th grade transcripts as part of a complete application. Again, there is no point in sending in an incomplete application prior–the admissions department will not look at it and there are no “early bird specials” nor will you miss your chance. All of this information–dates, requirements, forms, etc.–will be on each school’s website. Most might not have it up yet–it’s August–but will by October.

The schools that my son applied to used the standard application online (SAO.) He did the majority of his application by the end of October and we added on the parent portions early as well. One school preferred to have the essays and short answer portions of the applications completed before the interview. Another didn’t specify. One school specifically said that they didn’t want teacher recommendations to be submitted before December 1 so that the teachers had a chance to know your child. Additionally, you still need to wait for transcripts etc. As far as the AMC, my son included his AMC8 results from 7th grade and later updated the schools with his AMC8 8th grade results and again with his AMC10 8th grade results. I am not sure if the updates even mattered though.

My kids took October SSAT, and after they got their scores and finished interviewing/had their final list then they sent SSAT scores. There is no advantage/disadvantage to timing, as long as everything is submitted before the deadline. Plus at most schools you go interview, then submit you application. I wouldn’t worry too much about AMC8 for the application. You should have your score before final deadlines and that is one tiny piece.

What is the AMC8? After completing 7 applications, I still haven’t ever heard of it!

AMC8 is a math competition. Given at school (or math center) in November for students grade 8 or younger. It is a stand-alone test given by the MAA - math association. AMC10 & 12 (10th and 12th grade or younger respectively) eventually lead to the International Math Olympiad team (with a few additional tests first AIME, USAMO).