Interpreting SSAT Scores

Online & Printed Practice

How do schools look at SSAT scores? And what do scores mean as part of the overall admission application?

A father and son happy as they review SSAT scores on a laptop.

Are my student's SSAT scores good enough?

The requirements for each school are different, and your best option is to speak with their admission representatives, as only they can explain how they use scores and what emphasis they place on various elements of your application.

When reviewing SSAT score reports, we encourage families and admission officers to focus on the scaled score, which appears as "Your Score." The scaled score offers the most precise measure of a student's performance and is consistent over time—a scaled score today means the same as it did 30 years ago.

The SSAT percentile is also helpful for admission consideration as it compares performance with other SSAT test-takers in the same grade. 

If you're concerned about your child's scores, it's essential to remember that most schools look at prospective students holistically. In addition to the SSAT, schools get to know students and develop an understanding of who is a good fit for their programs through:

Please use the free resources we've compiled on Admission.org to help your family throughout the application process. You may also consider subscribing to Admission Academy for advice from top private school admission directors and other industry experts.

Is the SSAT at Home right for your student?

Learn about our three safe and convenient ways to take the SSAT.

Find Your Testing Options

Scheduling the SSAT at Home

Beginning in mid-July, SSAT at Home signup will be available through the test registration process. When a parent or guardian logs into their account, they will be able to register for the SSAT at Home, then they will be directed to schedule their student's test date. Detailed information and guidelines will be provided when SSAT at Home registration opens.

Families who have already registered for a 2020 test date but have yet to take the exam due to COVID-19 cancellations will receive priority SSAT at Home scheduling. More spaces will be opening soon.

The SSAT at Home is currently only available in U.S. and Canada for Middle and Upper Level Students.

Learn More
Determine what your must-haves are in your ideal school. Would you feel comfortable in a large or small school? Are you planning on staying at home or living on campus? What academic and extracurricular do you want from the school? How diverse would you like the community to be? Do you need a program that can accommodate learning differences?
Review Step-by-Step Registration

1

Create a wishlist.

There are tons of multi-purpose options.
Each question on The Snapshot was written by assessment development specialists and subject matter experts in psychology and education, as well as members from the independent school community.
View Sample Questions

2

Students answer two types of questions.

There are tons of multi-purpose options.
The Snapshot measures a student’s preferences, attitudes, and beliefs about their character. It does not measure their behavior and is not an achievement test.

Member schools using The Character Skills Snapshot will receive reports from those parents/guardians who select them as report recipients approximately two weeks following Snapshot completion. Families have the opportunity to review their report before it appears on their selected schools’ Member Access Portal (MAP).
Access Snapshot Results

3

Snapshot Reports summarize results.

There are tons of multi-purpose options.
The Snapshot is meant to complement, not replace, a holistic admissions process that includes information from cognitive tests (such as the SSAT), recommendation letters, interviews, etc.

It is not intended to determine if a student should or should not be admitted. Instead, it offers context to help you better understand the whole student.
Learn How to Interpret Results

4

Schools use Snapshot insights to better understand applicants.

There are tons of multi-purpose options.
Questions about SSAT test options, scores, and more?