What Not To Do on the SSAT

If your child is interested in attending an independent school, they will likely need to take the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT) in order to apply. We have the information you need on what not to do on the SSAT.

1. Don’t guess unless you can eliminate one or more answer choices as wrong. To read more about the guessing strategy for the SSAT, click here.
2. Don’t rush, but keep moving. Use your time wisely by earning as many points as you can by answering all questions that are easy for you. Do not waste lots of time on more difficult questions. If you cannot answer it reasonably quickly, flag it or make a note of it in your test book and move on. Go back to it later if there is time when you finish the section.
3. Don’t lose track of where you are on your answer sheet. You must be especially careful to line everything up if you are skipping questions.
4. Don’t skip the practice tests. You should start prepping at least three months before you plan to take the SSAT. The first step is to take a practice test and then analyze your performance: what are your strengths and weaknesses, and what growth will you need to see in order to reach your goal? Take a practice test every three weeks or so and use them as a time to increase your familiarity with the format and feel of the test. Also perform a check-in to see how your trouble areas are progressing.
5. Don’t keep up the same test prep pace until you take the test. Give yourself a break.
6. Don’t take the test just once.
7. Don’t miss these official tips from the SSAT website. They include setting a pace, getting a good night’s sleep before the test, and starting practice early.

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services