Low SSAT scores

[Anonymous]

I am worried that all the work we've put into the application process this year is going to be trumped by DD's very low SSAT score. She took the lower test for admission into 6th grade at Holton-Arms, Stone Ridge, Bullis and St. Stephen's St. Agnes. Should I call the schools to discuss the possibility of retaking the exam or wait for them to contact me with concerns?

[Anonymous]

What were her scores (the actual scores and the percentiles)? At this point, isn't it probably to late for them to review a new score, even if you retake it tomorrow?

[Anonymous]

Would help to know the actual score. In the case of my DS, he took the SSAT and I was surprised at his score being lower than expected. However, there are 2 scores, the cohort score which tends to be lower and the national normed score. While his cohort score was lower than I thought it would be, his national score was 98% and the school he was applying to actually took the national score into consideration. So, you have 2 scores in play - it may not be as bad as you think. However, that being said, Holton is competitive for admits but on the other hand, you never know what they are looking for to round out the class.

[Anonymous]

Are there mitigating factors as to why your DC scored low?

[Anonymous]

If you want responses, it would help if you gave the scores or percentiles.

[Anonymous]

It really depends how low OP and whether you belong to any group that might be sought after for enrollment. I know when my DD applied -- Bullis would have basically taken any score. Of the group of schools you mentioned --Holton would generally require the highest scores.

Good luck. Try not to worry too much. Does your DD have any special talents -- sports, music, drama or art?

[Anonymous]

You should of re-taken it. DD % went up by almost 100% from the Dec' to Jan' test date. I sent both scores to all the schools.....

[Anonymous]

OP Here. I am not comfortable posting the exact scores, but I will say they are below 50th percentile. I am not sure what happened the date of the test, but the scores are not representative of her ability. She is part of a racial minority group but I do not think they will consider diversity over the low scores.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP Here. I am not comfortable posting the exact scores, but I will say they are below 50th percentile. I am not sure what happened the date of the test, but the scores are not representative of her ability. She is part of a racial minority group but I do not think they will consider diversity over the low scores.

Was that 50% on the cohort or on the national normed?
If national then may be a problem, if cohort it may be too low for Holton but you may still have a shot at other places.
Keep fingers crossed

[Anonymous]

I had a concern about one of dd's low scores when we applied to one of the above schools. I called the AD and asked if it was a red flag.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had a concern about one of dd's low scores when we applied to one of the above schools. I called the AD and asked if it was a red flag.

And what was the AD's response?

[Anonymous]

It's the cohort percentile. National percentiles are 80's and 90's. I've spoken to two of the schools' ADs. Both said that the test scores are part of the admission decision, but they are looking at the entire package. They also stated that they are glad I took the initiative to contact them. That way they could take that information to committee. I will be contacted if further action is needed.

[Anonymous]

OP here. DD is wait-listed at St. Stephen's St. Agnes and not offered admission at Stone Ridge, Holton-Arms, or Bullis. I am assuming the low test score was the deciding factor. Assuming she doesn't make it off the wait-list, we'll try again in 3 years for high school.

[Anonymous]

Good luck!
You might consider her taking some prep workshops or work through the test workbook before taking it again in 3 years.
Also, if you real concerns about how the scores don't reflect ability, you can have her evaluated by a psychologist who can determine if learning disabilities or slow processing skills are a factor. You would be amazed what you might find out that will help her succeed.
Example: my daughter was tested in 4th grade b/c her teacher was sure she had ADD. I didn't think she did, and she did not, but the testing uncovered "slow processing skills" for Math. She receives more time for all standardized testing and, guess what? Her scores shot up to where they should've been! (AND she got into to SSSAS--not a minority). Best of luck!

[Anonymous]

PP -- does she have an IEP or a 504 plan that allow for the extra time? And congrats to her on SSSAS!