How to prepare for SSAT exams
Among the flurry of private school application requirements, the SSAT test may be among the most nerve-wracking. Luckily, it’s never too soon to begin preparing for this standardized aptitude test.
Here are some tips to ensure that you or your child is as prepared as he or she can be.
Timing is key
Keep in mind that many schools like to receive SSAT scores no later than the February before the school year begins in September.
Make sure you fully understand the requirements and essential deadline dates for your preferred school(s), since both of these vary from school to school.
Once you know the SSAT test will be required for a desired school, follow these steps:
• Select a test site and location
• Obtain necessary documentation
• Select score recipients
• Register for the test
• Print SSAT admission ticket and manage SSAT account
• Prepare for test (as noted below)
• Review your score report.
Order a prep test
Help is only a click away. The Secondary School Admission Test Board publishes a book of full-length practice tests, Preparing and Applying, available online.
It contains:
• Full-length practice tests (two Upper level, two Lower)
• Scoring instructions and explanations
• Descriptions and exercises for each type of question
• Advice for using time efficiently.
The guide currently costs $30. To order visit ssat.org/ssat/test/test-prep-orderguide.html.
Once you have received the test, run through it. It will give you a strong indication of what to expect from the SSAT. You should be able to breathe a sigh of relief at this point.
Prep courses
Some member organizations offer prep courses for the SSAT which may be helpful to prepare your child. It’s important to note, however, that prep courses are not endorsed by the SSAT's governing body.
Work together
Parents can help by going over test taking strategies with children and helping them practice. After issuing your child a timed test, go over the wrong answers with your child to help him/her figure out how to do better when taking the actual SSAT.
Get familiar with test format
Writing sample
• Support or argue the topic statement (presented)
• Use examples from personal experience, current events, history or literature
• Students are given 25 minutes to complete this section
Quantitative (math)
• Two sections, 25 questions each
• Students do math computations as they would in school
• Students are given 30 minutes to complete this section
Verbal
• 30 synonym, 30 analogy questions
• Students are given 30 minutes to complete this section
Reading comprehension
• 40 questions based on seven reading passages
• Questions measure your ability to understand what you read
• Students are given 40 minutes to complete this section.
Note: there are many editions of the test to ensure students won’t take the same test twice.
Bring your essentials
On test day, don’t forget:
• SSAT Admission ticket
• Sharpened No. 2 pencils
• A good eraser
• Your positive attitude!
Keep it in perspective
Standardized test-taking can be particularly stressful. It’s important to remember the test is often just one element of a school’s admission criteria. Not everything hinges on the SSAT. It's not you who is being tested, it's the education you have received.
Below is a list of schools that require the SSAT for entrance.
