Testing Strategies
It can be very helpful for students to take multiple SSAT tests. Our recommendation is to start test prep before testing the first time, then continue test prep up until the second test date. Testing multiple times may give students an advantage if they are already familiar with the test. It can be beneficial for students to have the experience of taking the test the first time, then reviewing those results with the tutor, strengthening…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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The key to performing well on the verbal section of the SSAT is mastering vocabulary. One of the main ways to understand how words are built is to study prefixes and roots. It is important to be able to break words that you do not recognize into pieces and decipher the meanings, because it’s better to be able to understand how words are made up than to just memorize them by rote. For example, the…
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In order to perform well on the SSAT, learning to study vocabulary is crucial. The Verbal section challenges the vocabulary skills of even the strongest students. It can be difficult to study vocabulary with your busy schedule, but without making it a priority, you will not be able to perform well on the synonyms and analogies portions of the SSAT exam. What is most important to remember about studying vocabulary is that you will never…
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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. 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 wisely by…
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Have you heard about the SSAT guessing strategy? It’s an important tactic for any student preparing to take the SSAT to know. Here are the essential questions, answers, and tips about the guessing strategy. Should you guess on the Middle or Upper Level SSAT? The answer is: It depends. You must first understand how the test is scored. When your test is scored, you will receive one point for each correct answer. You will lose one…
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