The SSAT (Secondary School Admissions Test) is an admissions test required by a number of private and independent schools across Canada. It's one important step on the path to an independent school education. Read more
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While SSAT results are taken seriously, they're only one part of the admissions process. You should try, then, not to put too much emphasis on them.
In this guide, we answer several important questions about the SSATs. We discuss the format of the test, how to prepare for it, and offer tips for success. To view a list of schools requiring the SSAT, click here.
A number of schools across Canada require applicants to take the SSAT. The aim of the test is to assess a student’s verbal, quantitative, reading, and writing skills. It can sometimes be a good indicator of potential academic success.
That said, SSAT tests are not meant to measure all traits that can contribute to academic success. For instance, the test doesn't directly assess motivation, persistence, or creativity.
The test is developed by committees made up of education experts and independent or private school teachers. The questions are rigorously reviewed to make sure they're the appropriate degree of difficulty.
According to SSAT.org, very. The verbal and quantitative sections of the SSAT have a reliability score of higher than .90. The reading section has a slightly lower score. These scores are considered above average by widely recognized educational standards.
The SSAT is a norm-referenced test. This means it interprets each individual score in relation to the distribution of scores for a comparison group, referred to as the "norm group." The SSAT norm groups consist of all scores from the same grade and gender who have taken the test for the first time over the past three years.
The SSAT reports percentile ranks, which are calculated relative to the performance of the norm group. It's important to remember that the SSAT norm group is a highly competitive group.
Among the flurry of private school application requirements, the SSAT test is one of 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 your child is as prepared as he or she can be.
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 these vary between schools.
Once you know you will need to take the SSAT test, ensure you do the following:
Help is only a click away. The Secondary School Admission Test Board publishes a book of full-length practice tests, available online.
It contains:
The guide currently costs $30. Once you've received the test, go 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.
Some organizations offer prep courses for the SSAT, which may help prepare your child. It's important to note, though, that prep courses are not endorsed by the SSAT's governing body.
Parents can help by going over test-taking strategies with children and helping them practice. After giving your child a timed test, go over the wrong answers with your child, to help him or her figure out how to do better when taking the actual SSAT.
| Section | Testing time | Questions | Skills tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal | 30 minutes (one section) | 30 synonym questions | Vocabulary |
30 analogy questions |
Vocabulary and verbal reasoning |
||
Quantitative |
60 minutes (two 30-minute sections) |
50 multiple-choice questions |
Math reasoning and computation |
Reading |
40 minutes (one section) |
7 reading passages and 40 questions |
Reading comprehension |
Writing Sample |
25 minutes (one section) |
1 essay prompt |
Writing |
Below, are some sample SSAT questions for each section: verbal, quantitative, and reading. (Source: the Study Point, a test preparation and tutoring institute.)
Verbal
Answers: 1. (D), 2. (C), 3. (A); 1. (E), 2. (A), 3. (B), 4. (D)
Answers: 1. (B), 2. (C), 3. (C), 4. (C)
Reading
Answers: 1. (C), 2. (C), 3. (B)
There are three SSAT levels:
On test day, don't forget:
Standardized test-taking can be very stressful. It's important to remember the test is just one element of an independent school's admissions criteria. Many other factors will affect a school's decison.
Answers: 1. (B), 2. (C), 3. (C), 4. (C)
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