<p>You can also lengthen your tour/interview visits to incorporate a bit more observation of student life. I highly recommend taking the June SSAT as a diagnostic, though. There’s no substitute for taking the test under normal conditions. It will help you guide your preparation for the fall test.</p>
<p>Do you know if scrap paper is permitted for the SSAT? I heard that it wasn’t for the ISEE.</p>
<p>There’s plenty of room to write in the booklet from what I understand. You won’t be able to bring your own scrap paper though. I can just imagine the issues the proctors would have inspecting the paper for covert notes, etc. ;)</p>
<p>Haha kraordrawoh, I bet they’re worried we’ll all use invisible ink ;)</p>
<p>I’ll second the June SSAT as a very important litmus test.</p>
<p>futureboarder, sounds like you are on the right track and have some very good advice.
Don’t overlook Episcopal.
Suggest looking into Mercersburg as well as Asheville in NC.
Both have large % of boarding. Asheville has a beautiful chapel and is a very happy and accepting community. </p>
<p>Agree with above advice that you need more schools with a traditionally high % of acceptances. At least a couple. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>If you are able to spend the $116 to take the June SSAT then do it. If not then I suggest buying a prep book (usually around $10). They usually have a couple practice tests that you can take under the normal test conditions - adhering to the specific amount of time given on each section. The practice tests are especially helpful to familiarize yourself with the test format and they will also give you an idea of the areas where you can focus more of your time on.</p>