How competitive is SSAT scoring for top San Diego schools?

Pretty competitive. If your child has dreams of getting into schools like Francis Parker, The Bishop’s School, or La Jolla Country Day, a strong SSAT score definitely helps. These schools are used to seeing high-scoring applicants, especially in the upper percentiles. But don’t panic—schools look at more than just numbers. A great score boosts your child’s profile, but it won’t carry the whole application. Solid grades, thoughtful essays, strong recommendations, and interview skills also matter.

That said, if your kid is aiming for the top, you’ll want to aim for at least the 80th percentile or higher. Think of the SSAT as one piece of the admissions puzzle—not the whole picture, but definitely a flashy corner.