High academic underclassman

I haven't heard of SSAT?? Provide what you can provide. PSAT often projects SAT (Add a 0 at the end of PSAT score- should estimate SAT. My son's was pretty close.) The PLAN likewise can project ACT. Have transcript available and know G.P.A. If you are a 2018, perhaps all you can really present is the depth of the courses (Honors/AP in Jr Year) and how you are performing.  Then move up the timetable to when ALL students (non-athletes) take board tests about a test or two. Good luck.

My son attended several as an Underclassman (HF, Stanford, Camps,etc.).  A few quick thoughts:

- more information is always better than less, but

- I would not provided anything other than GPA before at least the PSAT (my son had a couple of Ivy's ask about his PSAT before he was able to take SAT)

- I think that they assume you are "barking up the right tree" if you take the time, energy and money to attend these events

- Once there, if they like what they see, they will then start asking about grades and test scores.

- plan to have your son prepare for the SAT in advance and take it Fall of his junior year..that is my best advice to get ahead of the game.

SSAT(Secondary School Aptitude Test) is the "SAT" for private high schools and/or boarding schools.  For 7th and 8th graders normally.

SSAT was taken a little early in the the players academic cycle to be relevant.  More relevant is the difficulty of the student's current schedule.  Tell them how many AP's and which AP's your son is currently taking.  Coaches at high academic schools are sometimes looking for a second hook (baseball is the first hook!) for admissions, so tell them if you are All State Band, National Debate finalist, saved the whales, or discovered a new genome, etc.  

Of course only the real numbers matter for the pre-read.  When the coach wants the player he is going to dig deep in hope of making the data fly through the pre-read. But, the pre-read is most important.  The coach brings the successful pre-read's to his meeting with the AD and the Dean of Admissions where they negotiate "Tips" and/or "Slots" for the season.  Every school works a bit different but thats the general lay of the land.  Lots has been written here about Tips and Slots so I won't repeat.

His GPA should put him in good stead, and taking the SAT early in his junior year Will provide schools helpful indicators/trends.  Some recruiting Qs ask for PSAT, but Ivies will need at least one promising SAT or ACT score before engaging too seriously.  The other element is to make sure he is taking a rigorous course load.  For example if the school offers solid honors and/or AP courses, he would do well to take them as they present themselves.  Hope this perspective helps!

My son discovered a new gnome in the neighbor's yard.  Does that count?

I know that the PSAT being taken this year is a completely new test and have been told that the results will be much much lower than in years past.  I would suggest waiting on submitting test scores but share GPA etc with schools of interest.

Thank you all for your responses! It was a good reminder that he will at least have a GPA to share and a rigorous course load (a Merit Scholar at his high school-all the highest level honors classes available). If the opportunity presents itself, I will add a PSAT score...provided he is successful with the new format Thank you all again for your insight!