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3 Creative Personal Statement Examples for Harvard (or other top University)

In my 20+ years of teaching and my 8+ years advising on personal statements, I’ve found 3 college bound essays inspiring.  Normally, I don’t share these until we start working together as tutor and student, but I’ve decided to divulge this for the first time for the many who need it and can’t afford the tuition.

This first essay was my first find when looking for:

Examples for Students to Emulate for 1 Page Personal Statements

The “Zebra” Essay (college personal statement) – #1 Top Creative Example

There comes a time in every man’s life when he must answer a character-defining question: If you could have a super power, what would it be? This hypothetical subject has been debated among underage heroes for centuries; it has been heard on playgrounds, in tree houses, and under manholes all over the planet. Its answers come as varied as transliterated spellings of “Hanukkah.” Read more

What SSAT Score(s) do you need for Lakeside in Seattle?

What SSAT percentile does the admissions committee at Lakeside consider a good enough?

Even harder than Andover, Exeter or St. Paul’s was finding out how high you need to score on the SSAT for this little known gem of a school in the Pacific Northwest.  After Bill Gates became synonymous with the “richest person on Earth,” everyone want to distill the formula in creating another Bill Gates.  And as soon as it was revealed he went to Lakeside, parents from all over the world clamored to find out how to get in.

Unfortunately, you won’t find much documentation online to figure out this “secret.”  However, as we’ve done with the top 7 Boarding Schools and we hope to do with the rest of the 25, we have some clues to help you.

Lakeside’s Official SSAT Recommendations – No SSAT Minimum Score

If you visit the school’s admissions FAQ, you will learn that there is NO Minimum SSAT score.

Lakeside's official SSAT recommendations

They even go as far as saying a “perfect SSAT score” will NOT guarantee admissions.  So, getting that 99% on the  SSAT appears to not be a key to success at the prestigious program.

They also say you should only take the test once.

And sadly no matter what part of the site you dig into, there’s very little that’s shared about the SSAT.  They only mention you need the test scores on their application process page and in their blog, there’s only one post that even really refers to the test here.  Another interesting point the Director of Admissions mentions as well is that nobody uses the ISEE as the testing requirement.

90% Percentile or Higher for The Lakeside School

Have faith.  SSAT Master is here to still find a way to get information for your future Lakeside admits.

There are many parents and aspiring students who go back and forth in many forums for boarding schools and colleges like this or this or even this.  However, most of them fail to share or elucidate what exact scores are needed.  However, we found in this post on College Confidential, a parent of a current Lakeside student responded to another aspiring family.  They shared:

“Your child will presumably need excellent qualifications to get in (top grades, 90%+ SSAT, great recommendations, etc.).”

With a previous student of ours who was aiming for the school, we tasked them with building this very exact post we’re writing today.  Unfortunately, he got busy with school and also decided to go to one of the best public schools in the eastside instead, but he shared some of his research from friends who were able to obtain admissions.

He found out they scored between:

94% to 98% Percentile on the SSAT.

Specifically, the 4 students he surveyed obtain:

In his research he found an online resource that estimated:

  • 0-81% needs improvement
  • 81-92% almost there
  • 92%-99% looking good

which was in line with his findings.

What SSAT Scores can get you into Overlake?

While Overlake isn’t as sought after, it’s usually batched in with Lakeside as a backup option along with a few other schools like Eastside Prep in the Puget Sound.  We found one student who divulged:

I got 89% on the quantitative (93% for gender/age group), 99% on the reading, and 99% on the verbal. Noice.

source

So, this gives you also a range to think about when applying to Lakeside.

Lastly, it never hurts to look at “other models.”  So, check out the SSAT score ranges for the top boarding schools in the country.

SSAT students smiling face

2021’s SSAT Percentile Chart for 7th Graders

As one of the original sources for “SSAT Percentile Charts” throughout the world, we are proud to announce we have an updated version for all the grades who took the exam helping students get into the top boarding and independent schools.  This is the updated 2020-201 SSAT Percentile Chart for the 8417-7th graders who took the SSAT from August 2017 through July 2020.  We were able to secure the highly sought after data for your interests.

We realize you want your daughters and sons to score in the higher ranges.  So, we offer you the 80% and above percentiles and the 50-80% percentile sections of the overall report.  If you need other percentiles, please reach out.

7th Grader 80% & Up Verbal, Quantitative & Reading Percentiles

80% and higher percentiles

7th Grader 50-80% Verbal, Quantitative & Reading Percentiles

7th Grader 80% & Up Verbal, Quantitative & Reading Total Scaled Scores

80% and higher percentiles for total scaled scores v2

7th Grader 50-80% Verbal, Quantitative & Reading Total Scaled Scores

50-80% percentiles for total scaled scores v2

Looking to do SSAT Prep for a top US boarding school within the Eight Schools Association?  Or do you need SSAT Test Dates?  We have all the information you want for the SSAT including what’s a perfect SSAT score to what are average SSAT scores here on SSAT Master. 

2022-2023 SSAT (Test) Dates

Official SSAT Test Dates: 2022 thru 2023

Originally, the SSAT was only available in one format for the most part: the paper version.  Now, the test is available in both paper and online versions (At-Home Testing).  Let’s share both and also other options that might suit your needs:

2022–2023 Standard Paper Test Dates

The following are the remaining dates for the boarding/independent school exam in the traditional paper format (along with the appropriate registration deadlines).  You can register by visiting this link:

2022 Standard Paper SSAT Test Dates

Saturday, November 5, 2022
Nov 2022 SSAT Registration Deadlines
Saturday, December 10, 2022 – U.S./Canada Only

2023 Standard Paper SSAT Test Dates

Saturday, January 7, 2023
Jan 2023 SSAT Registration Deadlines
Saturday, February 4, 2023 – U.S./Canada Only
Feb 2023 SSAT Registration Deadlines

At-Home Testing SSAT Exam Dates

*SSAT at Home is only available for students physically located in the U.S. and Canada for the Middle and Upper Levels.

There are many more dates available for US based and Canadian residents (or students who are physically able to be in the 2 countries during these dates).

2022 At-Home Testing SSAT Exam Dates

October 2022 At-Home Testing SSAT Exam Dates

No more are available

November 2022 At-Home Testing SSAT Exam Dates

  • Wednesday, November 16, 2022
  • Friday, November 18, 2022
  • Saturday, November 19, 2022
  • Sunday, November 20, 2022
  • Wednesday, November 30, 2022

December 2022 At-Home Testing SSAT Exam Dates

  • Wednesday, December 14, 2022
  • Thursday, December 15, 2022
  • Friday, December 16, 2022
  • Saturday, December 17, 2022
  • Sunday, December 18, 2022
  • Wednesday, December 21, 2022

2023 At-Home Testing SSAT Exam Dates

January 2023 At-Home Testing SSAT Exam Dates

  • Wednesday, January 11, 2023
  • Thursday, January 12, 2023
  • Friday, January 13, 2023
  • Saturday, January 14, 2023
  • Sunday, January 15, 2023
  • Wednesday, January 18, 2023

February 2023 At-Home Testing SSAT Exam Dates

  • Wednesday, February 8, 2023
  • Friday, February 10, 2023
  • Saturday, February 11, 2023
  • Sunday, February 12, 2023
  • Wednesday, February 15, 2023

March 2023 At-Home Testing SSAT Exam Dates

  • Wednesday, March 8, 2023
  • Friday, March 10, 2023
  • Saturday, March 11, 2023
  • Wednesday, March 29, 2023
  • Friday, March 31, 2023

April 2023 At-Home Testing SSAT Exam Dates

  • Saturday, April 1, 2023

May 2023 At-Home Testing SSAT Exam Dates

  • Wednesday, May 3, 2023
  • Friday, May 5, 2023
  • Saturday, May 6, 2023

June 2023 At-Home Testing SSAT Exam Dates

  • Wednesday, June 7, 2023
  • Friday, June 9, 2023
  • Saturday, June 10, 2023

July 2023 At-Home Testing SSAT Exam Dates

  • Wednesday, July 5, 2023
  • Friday, July 7, 2023
  • Saturday, July 8, 2023

Register here for At-Home SSAT Testing

The Prometric Testing Option

  • Middle and Upper Level SSAT testing
  • Available in many locations worldwide
For more details, visit their scheduler here.

Computer-Based SSAT Testing Time

Flex SSAT Testing

While the Standard paper SSAT is available on fixed dates, Flex tests are given to an individual or group of students on a flexible basis. Administered by EMA member schools and approved educational consultants, Flex testing delivers the same paper SSAT as Standard testing.

Students at all testing levels are allowed to take one Flex test per testing year (August 1 – July 31), except for Elementary Level students who have already taken two Standard tests.

To take a Flex test, ask the schools your student is applying to if they offer Flex testing or use the “Flex Test With Consultant” tab on the SSAT Test Center Search.

Looking to do SSAT Prep for a top US boarding school within the Eight Schools Association like the Hotchkiss School?  Or do you need SSAT Test Dates?  We have all the information you want for the SSAT including what’s a perfect SSAT score to what are average SSAT scores here on SSAT Master.

2021-2022 SSAT (Exam) Dates

Official SSAT Test Dates: 2021 thru 2022

Paper-Based SSAT Test Dates

Test DateRegular Registration DeadlineLate Registration DeadlineSpecial Accommodations Deadline
October 16, 2021September 25, 2021October 22, 2021September 18, 2021
November 13, 2021October 23, 2021November 10, 2021October 16, 2021
December 11, 2021November 20, 2021December 8, 2021November 13, 2021
January 8, 2022December 18, 2021January 5, 2022December 11, 2021
February 26, 2022February 5, 2022February 23, 2022January 29, 2022
April 23, 2022April 2, 2022April 20, 2022March 26, 2022

SSAT at Home Official Test Dates: 2021 thru 2022

Remaining dates for 2022:

March

Available

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Available

Friday, March 4, 2022

Available

Saturday, March 5, 2022

April

Available

Friday, April 1, 2022

Available

Saturday, April 2, 2022

Available

Sunday, April 3, 2022

Available

Friday, April 29, 2022

Available

Saturday, April 30, 2022

May

Available

Sunday, May 1, 2022

Available

Friday, May 20, 2022

Available

Saturday, May 21, 2022

June

Available

Friday, June 10, 2022

Available

Saturday, June 11, 2022

Available

Sunday, June 12, 2022

July

Available

Friday, July 8, 2022

Available

Saturday, July 9, 2022
From the official site:

At-Home Testing. Same SSAT.

It’s time to reimagine the future of testing—and EMA is at the forefront with the SSAT at Home, a new at-home administration of the SSAT.

SSAT at Home is only available for students physically located in the U.S. and Canada for the Middle and Upper Levels.

Schedule

After completing your student’s registration, you will receive an email to schedule the test with PSI, our partner in delivering the SSAT at Home. The deadline to schedule your student’s SSAT at Home is 24 hours before a test date and time. Your selected test date must be before July 31, 2022, when the test year ends. As availability may be limited, you should schedule your SSAT at Home as soon as possible to secure a specific test date.

Is the SSAT at Home Right for My Student?

  • Yes if:
  • Students physically located in the U.S. and Canada for the Middle and Upper Levels.
  • Comfortable typing
  • Comfortable using scrap paper
  • Ok having a check-in photo taken
  • Compatible computer and internet access*

 

Dandelion Dreams Essay | Top Harvard Personal Statement Examples

Top 50 Harvard Application Essay Example #50

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to help many high schoolers write their personal statements.  Fortunately, many got into their dreams schools including Carnegie Mellon University, Northwestern University and UCLA.  Frankly, some of them probably wouldn’t have garnered admissions if it weren’t for the examples they were able to emulate before obtaining acceptance.  However, most of them didn’t even know these existed.

Fortunately for them, I did.

I have a batch of favorite essays I share with my students.  With our blog, I plan on sharing many of them with some of you out there who are aiming to do the same.  The following is one of my favorites that I’ve had the privilege to discover.  And it wasn’t because it was right in front of me.

This one in particular was the LAST essay example in the book “50 Successful Harvard Application Essays.”

“Dandelion Dreams” By Emmeline Chuang 

Read more

Top Personal Statement Examples: The Zebra College Essay

This is one of my favorite creative college essay examples for students.  It shows how a student can answer the boring personal statement prompts with flair.  At the same time, it answers the question in a strong effort to be like a … well … zebra.

The Zebra College Essay Video

Model Personal Statement: The Zebra Essay                 

There comes a time in every man’s life when he must answer a character-defining question: If you could have a super power, what would it be? This hypothetical subject has been debated among underage heroes for centuries; it has been heard on playgrounds, in tree houses, and under manholes all over the planet. Its answers come as varied as transliterated spellings of “Hanukkah.” Read more

Best Summer Programs for Elite High Schoolers

Elite Programs for High Schoolers

Summer Programs at Harvard

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

The Pre-College Program and Secondary School Program (SSP) will be offered this summer in an online format.

Changes to Courses and Course Formats

Pre-College: Courses open to Pre-College Program students will be offered as Online (live) web conference and taught at the time listed in the course catalog. While we understand that it may be difficult for students who are not in Eastern Time to participate in synchronous courses, we feel it is important to maintain a seminar-style experience in Pre-College Program courses. Please review the Admitted Students page for more information.

SSP: Harvard Summer School courses, in which SSP students enroll, are offered in several online formats. Updates to the Summer School course catalog are forthcoming.

Summer at Harvard

Read more

Best List of Gifted & Summer Programs for Kids

Gifted Programs for 3 yos through 12th Grade

Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY)

“Our core mission is to serve bright learners and their families through our renowned programs, research, counseling services, and advocacy. Because in identifying and developing the talents of advanced pre-university students to better our world today, we hope to improve it for generations to come.

Mission

CTY is dedicated to identifying and developing the talents of academically advanced pre-college students around the world.

Our educational programs offer young scholars an opportunity to join a learning community like no other. Led by world-class educators, students engage with rigorous academic work alongside peers who share their exceptional abilities and love of learning.

      • Learning pathways for grades 2–12
      • Online courses available worldwide
      • Summer sites across the U.S. and Hong Kong
      • Scholarships and financial aid available

Online Programs

Read more

The education wasn’t worth a damn. ”

~Rainer Weiss, Nobel Laureate in Physics

The Nobel Prize is one of the top accolades anybody can achieve.  As a result, we regularly associate the winners with being the “best minds” in society.  As a result, we’ve collected both the latest “Nobel Minds” series from 2014 through 2020 and all the videos on “Education” from the organization.

For our future learners, we hope this is as didactic as it was for these people who have  learned whatever it took to win.

5 Nobel Laureates on their Favorite Teachers

The Nobel Minds Series of Videos

Read more