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WHAT IS THE SSAT?
SSAT stands for Secondary School Admission Test. It is a standardized test used by many independent high schools as part of their admittance process. When you submit your application, your SSAT score will be part of it.
WHAT'S ON THE TEST?
The test consists of three scored sections: math (no calculators), vocabulary, and reading comprehension. It also contains an un-scored essay, to be read by each school.
ARE THERE DIFFERENT LEVELS?
Yes, but not in the way you might think. Students in grades 5 - 7 will take the "Middle Level" test, and students in grades 8 - 11 will take the "Upper Level" test. This means that a grade 8 student will be taking the same test as a grade 11 student. However, you will only be compared to students in your current grade.
WHAT SCORE DO I NEED?
Short answer: there is no objective scale for a good or bad score, and it is completely dependent on a case-by-case basic. Your score will be considered alongside other records such as grades, sports, interviews and extracurriculars. The weight of its importance will vary depending on the schools you are applying to, as well as your specific situation as a student and/or athlete. If you're also applying to a sports team, having an athletic advisor or agent will help you get a better sense of what SSAT score to aim for. We have some trusted advisors that we would be happy to recommend to you; just shoot us an e-mail.
MY CHILD IS EXCEPTIONAL IN SCHOOL — WILL THIS HELP US?
It depends. The SSAT tests for a very specific skill set; it is incomparable to a regular school exam. For example, the "analogy" section of the SSAT requires levels of logical reasoning that extend beyond what is taught in most schools. Therefore, it is common for students to be strong academically, but struggle with the new skills required by the SSAT. The best way to know where someone stands is to take a mock test (see our tutoring services below).
HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED TO STUDY FOR THIS?
The SSAT is an extremely demanding endeavour, and your score can always be improved. If you'd like to maximize your score's potential, be prepared to set aside around 3 months of prep time — some students start preparing as early as a year in advance, which puts them at a higher advantage. Your test score can be a deciding factor in the admittance process, and it is not to be taken lightly. Towards the end of this page, I lay out ways you can study independently, and list the prep services that Genesis provides.
WHAT IF IT'S TOO LATE TO START STUDYING?
It is never too late to start preparing. Although many months are required to reach your full potential, you can effectively work towards improving your score at any point.
WHAT'S ON THE TEST?
The test consists of three scored sections: math (no calculators), vocabulary, and reading comprehension. It also contains an un-scored essay, to be read by each school.
ARE THERE DIFFERENT LEVELS?
Yes, but not in the way you might think. Students in grades 5 - 7 will take the "Middle Level" test, and students in grades 8 - 11 will take the "Upper Level" test. This means that a grade 8 student will be taking the same test as a grade 11 student. However, you will only be compared to students in your current grade.
WHAT SCORE DO I NEED?
Short answer: there is no objective scale for a good or bad score, and it is completely dependent on a case-by-case basic. Your score will be considered alongside other records such as grades, sports, interviews and extracurriculars. The weight of its importance will vary depending on the schools you are applying to, as well as your specific situation as a student and/or athlete. If you're also applying to a sports team, having an athletic advisor or agent will help you get a better sense of what SSAT score to aim for. We have some trusted advisors that we would be happy to recommend to you; just shoot us an e-mail.
MY CHILD IS EXCEPTIONAL IN SCHOOL — WILL THIS HELP US?
It depends. The SSAT tests for a very specific skill set; it is incomparable to a regular school exam. For example, the "analogy" section of the SSAT requires levels of logical reasoning that extend beyond what is taught in most schools. Therefore, it is common for students to be strong academically, but struggle with the new skills required by the SSAT. The best way to know where someone stands is to take a mock test (see our tutoring services below).
HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED TO STUDY FOR THIS?
The SSAT is an extremely demanding endeavour, and your score can always be improved. If you'd like to maximize your score's potential, be prepared to set aside around 3 months of prep time — some students start preparing as early as a year in advance, which puts them at a higher advantage. Your test score can be a deciding factor in the admittance process, and it is not to be taken lightly. Towards the end of this page, I lay out ways you can study independently, and list the prep services that Genesis provides.
WHAT IF IT'S TOO LATE TO START STUDYING?
It is never too late to start preparing. Although many months are required to reach your full potential, you can effectively work towards improving your score at any point.
registration, location, and test dates
IS THE SSAT MANDATORY?
First, ensure that the schools you are applying to require the SSAT:
http://ssat.org/member-search
TESTING LOCATIONS
SSAT exams in Montreal are currently held at McGill. Double-check the closest centre to you.
http://ssat.org/test-center-search
TEST REGISTRATION
To register for an official SSAT test, you must first create an account with the SSAT website (if you haven't already). You can do that by clicking here.
Once you've created an account, login to your portal (portal.ssat.org/SAP/Index/StudentHome).
Then, click SSAT/Snapshot (top left of page) > Register for the SSAT.
TEST DATES
Choose a day to take the test. There are 8 scheduled tests per academic year, which occur monthly on Saturday mornings (9:00 AM EST). Scores are released about ten days after each exam. You can re-take the SSAT as many times as you want before application. If you take the test multiple times, you can choose which score you want to send to your schools; they will not know that you took the test multiple times.
LEARNING DISABILITIES
Does your daughter or son have a documented disability (for example, ADD/ADHD) ? You can apply for accommodations (for example, extra time, smaller groups, a calculator). Below is a step-by-step guide on how to make that request, as well as more information on what types of accommodations are available (the second document is long — if you're pressed for time, you only need to read the first one).
Does your daughter or son have a documented disability (for example, ADD/ADHD) ? You can apply for accommodations (for example, extra time, smaller groups, a calculator). Below is a step-by-step guide on how to make that request, as well as more information on what types of accommodations are available (the second document is long — if you're pressed for time, you only need to read the first one).
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The SSAT releases a brochure each year covering a lot of the fundamental facts you'll need to know. I also find that it's refreshingly clear and easy to understand. I've attached it below for your convenience.
VERY HELPFUL — READ ME | |
File Size: | 1047 kb |
File Type: |
TUTORING & STUDY PLANS
The best way to prepare for the SSAT is to combine prep books, independent study and individualized tutoring.
INDEPENDENT STUDY SSAT PREP BOOKS The SSATB releases an official guide each school year. This is the only prep book endorsed by the SSAT: http://www.ssat.org/test-prep/official-guide As a secondary source of practice, Ivy Global is an independent company offering the most extensive SSAT guides on the market. These are also the books Genesis Tutoring incorporates into our SSAT course. Use the promo code "PREPNOW" for 10% off. http://ssatprep.com/shop/ ONLINE PRACTICE This year, the SSATB released free official practice materials online. They also sell a more extensive online package, which includes an e-version of the official guide above. These materials are great for independent learners. http://www.ssat.org/practice |
TUTORING MOCK TESTING ---$ — private ---$ — group of 2 A test identical to the process you will experience on the official day. This is the best way to get a sense of how much preparation you need. We use the results of this test to establish a game plan for maximizing your score. It is also an extraordinary source of practice; mock tests should be integral to your study plan. Approximately 3.5 hours • One official SSAT practice test • A consultation to give you absolute clarity on the SSAT's structure and scoring system. • Graded onsite, for you to keep TUTORING --$ / h — private --$ / h — group of 2 Hourly tutoring targets specific sections of the test; this is how you can learn to maximize your score. It is common to take a mock test first, as a method of accessing your points of weakness. We normally recommend two hour sessions. Consultation The mock test package includes a consultation, but some families would like one on its own. We offer in-person SSAT consultations at the hourly rate. |
Get in touch with Genesis Tutoring for SSAT support. You can click here to be redirected to the contact page.