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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]SSAT really only helps if you get in the 90th %. [/quote]

....aaaaaand that is just not true.  The most competive/rigorous of the area privates, basically Sidwell and STA/NCS, want to see everything above (approx.) the 80%, the rest of the schools are more flexible by a matter of degrees on a sliding scale as the competitiveness/rigor decreases.[/quote]

That's complete and total BS.  Sure, lots of applicants get into those two plus GDS with 80%+---AND lots of applicants with those scores get rejected/waitlisted.  I'm sure that it's a lower admit percentage with lower scores, but I can absolutely confirm that there are kids admitted to the Big Three with below 50% on everything---and with no hooks.  My DC is one (applied to and admitted to two of the three) and the admissions officers at both schools said that DC is definitely not alone (when after the admissions letters came out, we asked whether DC could be successful there, in light of scores).  Now a junior with a a 3.4.

Good scores are always better than bad scores, but if a school wants your DC, they will take your DC regardless of scores.  And if the school doesn't want your DC, 99% still won't be enough.

But this 80% minimum bit is nothing more than a dcurbanmom urban legend.  [/quote]
Hate to resurrect this old post but did your DC switch from another private to Sidwell or from public to Sidwell?  Asking because, we're transitioning from one private to another and the HOS is very involved in "selecting" the schools to which the student should apply.  When test scores are middling/lower... you will be given a list of schools that are "appropriate" for your child based on their profile.  If a student scores "well below" 80%, I guarantee a place like Sidwell will not be on the list.  I also know that the HOS will not support your child's application for a school that he, somehow magically knows will not admit your child.

Just curious how your DC made the switch with scores "well below" 80%.

Thanks.[/quote]

From a private PK-8, with DC having great grades and recs, interviewed well, lots of extracurriculars and a school leader.  This was two years ago, for 9th grade. Our HOS didn't make a big deal of SSAT; didn't see much correlation between admits and SSATs when matched up together.  Said grades are more correlated.  i don't want to be dismissive of testing, but it's not make or break.  Probably helps too that the scores aren't publicly reported, as they are with colleges.  Schools can make their own decisions on how to weigh them with each child.[/quote]

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