[Mod – Sorry for X-post but realized my OP was posted in wrong forum.]
Which of the following test score results might be consider more exceptional, to a highly selective school?
– 99th percentile across all four subscores for ISEE, but none a perfect 940 (V 921, R 920, Q 931, M 931);
or
– 2347 SSAT (99th) with math 800 (99th), reading 770 (791 max, 99th), and verbal 773 (794 max, 96th).
My 8th grader is applying to highly selective schools that accept either test, and he’s trying to figure out which to send.
The original plan was to send the SSAT scores, but we are now wondering whether across-the-board 99’s on the ISEE may be considered more noteworthy.
We realize both scores are strong, so he is in a good position either way, but would appreciate any thoughts as to which test result might have an edge/
First, I don’t think there is a significant difference in your scores…
You have great scores and AO’s will not be knit-picking; the overall with 99 percentile will look the same as the all 9 stanines. Both tests have similar structure and as long as you surpass a certain score, AO’s will use more personal, qualitative data to distinguish you from other applicants… Its not going to be , Applicant A, has a 97 in math, but Applicant B has a 99, Yup bye bye Applicant A… Some thing more like Applicant A is very involved in X activities and Applicant B is more oriented towards Z things, hmm still going to be tough.
Addressing your question, most school make it very clear that there is no bias in favor of either test. And if they do favor one test, they require applicants to submit that test…
However it has been mentioned in older threads (by CC-ers who spend too much time analyzing school websites )
that school might be more inclined towards SSAT. SSAT is an older test, and some AO’s might prefer something that they are used to (I am not very inclined towards this theory because by now ISEE has been through the application process plenty of time and AO’s should be familiar with it)… CC-ers also point out that schools use wording such as
Me: ‘In Lieu’ sooo basically, you are saying SSAT would be great, but its okay if you send in the ISEE?
AOs : Yup, no problem, we’re chill… Though the SSAT would rly be better… Like we said, We’re Chill
(lol I think I am rambling :)) )
I doubt in the end it will matter much, however if you find this important you can go the websites of the schools you are applying to and analyze away
I’ve been curious to know if schools look at SSAT and ISEE scores in the same way? In other words is an 80% on either test interchangeable for purposes of admission? Are the applicant pools taking each test essentially the same?
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