Unless you cancel the scores, yes, the schools will see all the scores. But they will look at your BETTER score ...or that is my understanding of what they are supposed to do. As for taking the test again (an whether the admissions directors look down upon that), I really don't see why they would ...aside from the fact that you are shelling out a little more cash. But, hey, there's multiple tests for a reason. It's a smart choice to give your kid more than one opportunity. And, the way I see it, it does you more good than bad ...so, why not?

Well, I assume that whomever posted this had this answered by now ...I'm responding quite a bit later! But those who are curious, YES, the Catholic schools have their own applications. It's a bit tedious to have more than one basic application ...but that's just how it goes. Also, they don't have one standard "Catholic school" application -- so, kids, save time to fill those out!

I'm registering my daughter for both the SSAT dates in November and December because I think that will give her a better chance of having a good score. But I have some questions about doing this ...Do the school see both scores? And do they look down upon taking it more than once?

If you are interested in going to Catholic schools, I know you have to take a separate test (the HSPT). But do you also need to write separate applications for each school or do all the schools have the same application? If they have their own applications, that could be a lot of work!

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Hey, I think it depends on a lot of things. First of all, if you are really into a school like MA or Branson or Head-Royce, and you would apply anyway, then go ahead. It's not like you can't later say that you don't want to go. I think it could also really be worth it. Every one is competing for the same high schools in the city and the truth is that not everybody is going to get into the "top schools." Also they may not get into the the "top schools" in Marin or the East Bay either. But it is worth a try and it's a smart move to extend your net when you apply. One of my older brothers went to MA and he loved it ...and we are long-time SF residents. Some of the schools have van services too and you can always carpool. But try to also not apply to *too* many schools because that can be stressful, as well. My advice is maybe apply to 1-2 schools outside the city - max - unless you're really set on that extra drive.

Hey, so I have been starting to look at some different schools in SF and some of them totally seem like a good fit for me. But it is also SOOOO competitive and ...who knows if I will get in to those schools that EVERYONE wants to go to? My goal is to really increase my chances of getting into a school I like and I think that may then include schools in Marin or the East Bay. But my problem then is that these schools are not only far away (for things like getting to class in the morning) but a lot of the kids (and my friends, if I go) will live far away. But maybe it's worth it to apply. It seems that if you are from the city then you are also slightly more appealing as an applicant because less city kids apply. What do you guys think? Is it a good idea or will I regret going to a school far away?

Anna seems to be on the ball on this one. I think that the most important test is definitely the SSAT and the other tests are kinda similar, including the Catholic school test. You do need to take that test for the Catholic schools. And some schools also accept ISEE which is more common in the Midwest I think.

I'm also thinking of applying to SI, and what I've heard is that you need to take a high school placement test (HSPT), which you can take on January 10th at 8:30 am. It seems like it is similar to the SSAT, since the test covers math, verbal ability, reading comprehension, that kind of stuff. You can probably call the school to find out more information or go to their website: www.siprep.org
Hope this helps!
-Anna