We are regularly asked “is xyz score good enough for abc top boarding school?”  First off, the boarding schools are operating off of percentiles and not a gross score.  Your 1998 may look good overall, but it actually only equates to a 47% Percentile as an 8th grade boy.  It’s a 53% Percentile as the opposite sex in the same grade.

SSAT Percentile Examples for 8th Grade Girls

• 2004 Total Score = 55% Percentile*
• 2049 Total Score = 65% Percentile*
• 2094 Total Score = 75% Percentile*
• 2145 Total Score = 85% Percentile*
• 2226-2244 Total Score = 95% Percentile*
• 2295+ Total Score = 99% Percentile*

SSAT Percentile Examples for 8th Grade Boys

• 2031 Total Score = 55% Percentile*
• 2076 Total Score = 65% Percentile*
• 2118-2121 Total Score = 75% Percentile*
• 2175-78 Total Score = 85% Percentile*
• 2250-59 Total Score = 95% Percentile*
• 2310+ Total Score = 99% Percentile*

*Estimates for percentiles come from the Secondary School Admission Test Board’s 2011-2012 Interpretive Guide to the SSAT based on students tested from August 2008-July 2011. They are not representative of students in general  throughout the country, nor are they representative of all students enrolled in independent secondary schools.