All about SSAT

Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) BASICS

The SSAT is a standardized test, administered by  Enrollment Management Association, taken by students seeking to enrol in an independent school in grades 3 and 4 who are applying to grades 4 and 5; the Middle Level, for students in grades 5–7 applying for grades 6–8; and the Upper Level, designed for students in grades 8–11 who are applying for grades 9–12.

Test Fee: For Indian applicants, the fee for SSAT is about $247(17529 INR)

SSAT(upper level) comprises four sections: Quantitative, Reading Comprehension, Verbal and Writing Sample. All questions on the SSAT have the same score. The raw score is calculated for each section and then the SSAT percentile(1-99) is given for relative performance evaluation. It is to note that the SSAT has a negative marking.

The duration of the test is 2 hours and 55 minutes with two short breaks.

• SSAT Writing Sample- 1 unscored for 25 minutes
• Break for 5 minutes
• SSAT Quantitative Math- 25 MCQs in 30 minutes
• SSAT Reading- 25 MCQs in 40 minutes
• Break for 10 minutes
• SSAT Verbal- 60 MCQs in 30 minutes
• SSAT Quantitative Math- 25 MCQs in 30 minutes
• Experimental- 16 MCQs

SSAT SYLLABUS(upper level)
SSAT Quantitative: Number Concepts and Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, Data Analysis, Probability
SSAT Reading(7 passages): Main Ideas, Details, Inferences, Word Meanings, Author’s Purpose, Tone, Opinions, Arguments, Predictions
SSAT Verbal(synonyms and analogies): Vocabulary, Verbal Reasoning, Ability to Relate Ideas Logically
SSAT Experimental: Verbal, Reading, and Quantitative-style questions
SSAT Writing Sample: A topic/statement which you will be asked to respond to (support or argue), using specific examples from personal experience, current events, history or literature

SSAT TEST TIMELINES
The SSAT offers two test forms; the Standard Test and the Regional/Flex Test. Within the SSAT testing year (August 1-July 31) the Standard Test can be taken more than once and on any of the Standard Test dates; the Regional/Flex Test can be taken only once.

Many secondary schools that use the SSAT scores recommend students take the exam by January 31. However, students must check the test and application deadlines with each school they are considering for admission.

SSAT PREPARATION
Based on how much time you have until the SSAT, decide how much time you are going to give yourself to prepare. Think of your schedule leading up to the test: Will there be any holidays? Does your family have any trips planned? What will your school schedule be like? Start with planning a timetable for the studies and abide by it.

Once your study plan is in place, ensure that you keep these SSAT tips in mind

• Practice is the key: The average time required for SSAT preparation is three months. Taking a practice(diagnostic) test before starting out with the preparation and analyzing the performance should be the first step. Quantify your weaknesses and strengths.
• Maintain consistency in your studies: Having a regular study schedule plays a vital role in raising your score.
• Pay close attention to your weaknesses: Focus on the topics that are problematic, but don’t forget to dust the ones you’re already performing well at.

For the quantitative section, pay close attention in your math class. Ensure you understand every concept in depth. For the verbal section, make a game of playing with synonyms and analogies in everyday life. For the reading section, the best thing you can do is actively engage with reading on a daily basis. Read content-rich material ONLY.

• Take more and more practice tests: Take a practice test every three weeks or so—more often if you are uncomfortable with the test and want a significant improvement, less often if you feel at ease testing and are near your goal score. Utilize these practice tests as a time to increase your familiarity with the format. Also, keep a tab on how your trouble areas are progressing.
• Keep calm and do not take stress: Give yourself plenty of time to relax; cut down on your study time whenever you feel overworked, and get plenty of rest.

If you need any help with the SSAT preparations, let us know by filling out Tutela’s Assistance Student Form or directly contacting us at  +91-8826345541.