Private schools use the test scores for about ⅓ of their admission decision. They typically consider grades, scores, and extracurriculars/recommendations all equally. Remind your child that this test is not the end of the world, and will not be the only indicator of their ability to get into a good school. A perfect SSAT score is not necessary, and schools are looking for well-rounded students, so the test is just one part of the application.…
If your child is interested in attending an independent school, they will likely need to take the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT exam) in order to apply. We have the information you need on what not to do on the SSAT exam. 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. Don’t rush, but keep moving. Use your time…
SSAT Score and Score Reporting Not sure how to read your child’s SSAT score report? Your child’s SSAT score report will contain the following information: Number of Items: The number of items in the content sections and subsections. Number Correct: The number of correct answers for the content sections and subsections. Percent Correct: The percentage of correct answers for the content sections and subsections. Scaled Score: A score which has a range of values from…
Test Day Checklist: 1. Print your student’s admission ticket. Log in and click “print ticket” if you didn’t print it during registration. Get step-by-step instructions. Approved for testing accommodations? Be sure to bring the second page titled “Testing Accommodations Approval.” 2. Know what to bring. Make sure your student has the following items: Admission Ticket #2 Pencils (no mechanical pencils) Snack or Drink TIP: Bring snacks and drinks in a clear zip-top bag with your…
In the Synonym, Analogy, and Math sections of the SSAT, it is important for you to become comfortable with the one-two pass strategy. In the first pass, you should only attempt problems that you feel you have a good chance of being able to answer correctly. In the second pass, you should attempt the remaining problems. By using the one-two pass strategy, you won’t get caught up on a difficult problem halfway through and run…
Here’s what you need to know about mastering the SSAT fiction story essay, which requires creative writing and using your imagination. If you are taking the middle level SSAT, you will be required to write a fiction story essay based on a prompt; if you are taking the upper level SSAT, you have the option of writing a standard essay or writing the fiction story essay. Either way, you won’t have much time, just 25…
The key to mastering the reading sections of the SSAT tests is two-fold: reading the passage effectively, and answering the questions efficiently. The reading section of the SSAT tests is designed to assess how well you are able to grasp the main idea and tone of a passage. The most important thing to remember is that you are not expected to retain details as you read. This is different from how you probably read other…
The key to structuring your standard essay for the SSAT is to ensure you have the proper format. Here’s the general format for a successful standard essay: Introduction Sentence 1: Thesis/Answering the question Sentence 2: Introduce your first supporting paragraph (what you’re going to say in the second paragraph) Sentence 3: Introduce your second supporting paragraph (what you’re going to say in the third paragraph) Sentence 4: Sum up your ideas and transition into the next…
The 2019-2020 SSAT test dates have been released. Your child can take the middle and upper level SSAT test up to 8 times, or the elementary level twice. It’s important to review the test dates below and make sure you register your child in time. Standard Test Date Regular Registration Starts Aug 1, 2019 & Ends: Last Day for Registration (Without Testing Accommodations) Sat, Oct 19, 2019 September 28, 2019 Wednesday, October 16, 2019 Sat, Nov…
The synonym section of the SSAT is very challenging due to the difficult vocabulary, as well as the traps that the test-makers include to confuse you. The first trap to look out for is the Secondary Part of Speech Trap. Sometimes the word has a secondary meaning when it is used in a different part of speech. For example, words can be both a noun and a verb, and have different meanings depending on their part…
