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what is ssat used for

by Prof. Lowell Koss III Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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SSAT stands for the Secondary School Admissions Test, and it's used for admission to private middle schools and high schools.

What does SSAT stand for?

What does SSAT stand for? SSAT stands for Secondary School Admission Test. Though its name is similar, the test is not associated with the SAT, which students take for college admissions. The SSAT is a test taken by students applying to independent day schools and boarding schools in North America.

How to do well on the SSAT?

Part 2 Part 2 of 3: Using Test-Taking Strategies Download Article

  1. Wear a watch. Most test centers will have a clock in the room, but you may not be able to see it easily.
  2. Answer the questions that are easiest for you first. The SAT tends to have easier questions at the beginning and harder questions toward the end.
  3. Make educated guesses for answers you don’t know. ...
  4. Ration your time wisely. ...

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What is a good SSAT or ISEE score?

What is a good score on ISEE? What is considered a good ISEE score depends on the schools to which you’re applying. For many good private schools, a score of 5 or above is sufficient for entry. Some of the most competitive private schools, however, generally like to see scores of 7 or above.

How do I register for the SSAT?

  • Your SSAT admission ticket, and special accommodations document (if applicable)
  • At least two sharpened #2 pencils
  • Photo ID
  • A snack and drink for the break

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Who should take the SSAT?

The SSAT is designed for students in grades 3 through 11 who are seeking admission to private schools. It's available in three levels: elementary for students in grades 3 and 4, middle for students in grades 5 through 7, and upper for students in grades 8 through 11.

What's the difference between SSAT and SAT?

The main difference is the type of school the test taker is looking to attend. The SSAT helps students enter private schools from grades 4 through 11. The SAT helps students enter colleges and universities. They are also administered by two different nonprofit entities.

How is the SSAT different from the PSAT?

How does the SSAT compare to the PSAT and SAT? Like the PSAT and SAT, the SSAT tests students' verbal, reading, and math skills. However, since this exam is not designed by CollegeBoard — the organization that sponsors the PSAT and SAT — it tests some of these skills in different ways.

What is tested on the SSAT?

What's on the SSAT? Students in grades 3–11 are assessed on their verbal, math, and reading skills. A non-scored writing sample is also included to assess writing ability. The SSAT concludes with an experimental section that isn't scored or reported but is essential to validating future questions.

What is harder SSAT or SHSAT?

How does the SHSAT (Stuyvesant Test) compare to the SSAT? The SHSAT is 80% math and reading, so preparing for both isn't too much of a stretch. However, the SHSAT's material is harder, especially the math. The SHSAT also has grammar.

Does SSAT predict SAT?

The regression analysis allowed for admission factors, in addition to SSAT scores, to be controlled with SSAT scores as the predictor variable. Study findings indicate that the SSAT does indeed correlate with academic performance for end-of-grade GPA, PSAT, and SAT outcomes,.

What math topics are on the SSAT?

The SSAT tests a student's skills in three mathematical areas: computations, geometry/algebra, and mathematical concepts.

Does SSAT have essay?

The SSAT requires an essay, but it's not graded. So why do you need to write it? Well, the essay is a great way for schools to see how well you express yourself.

Is the SSAT test hard?

While the test is designed to be of "middle difficulty," this is a very competitive group of students against which you're being scored—these are the select students applying to the finest independent schools.

What grade is SSAT for?

The Upper Level SSAT is the premier high school admission test intended for students currently in grades 8–11; however, students may test up or down at any point. The traditional paper SSAT and computer-based Prometric testing are available for the Upper Level assessment worldwide.

What is a good SSAT score?

Keep in mind that the SSAT is designed for the average student to score in the 50% percentile (the median). There are some great schools with an average SSAT score in this 50-60% range. The most competitive schools, however, will have average SSAT scores in the 90th+ percentile.

How many times can a student take the SSAT?

Students can take the SSAT at Home up to three times per testing season, in addition to eight paper tests (six standard dates and two flex dates).

Is the SSAT test hard?

While the test is designed to be of "middle difficulty," this is a very competitive group of students against which you're being scored—these are the select students applying to the finest independent schools.

Is the PSAT different for each grade?

All the tests measure the same skills and knowledge, but in ways that are appropriate for each grade level. The PSAT 8/9 shows students and teachers how far along students are in developing the skills they need for college.

What is SAT vs ACT?

Broken down by test components, the SAT has a reading test that takes 65 minutes, a 35-minute writing and language test and an 80-minute math section. The ACT is comprised of a 35-minute reading test, 45-minute English test, 60-minute math section and 35-minute science test.

How is the SSAT practice test scored?

For the SSAT, students receive a scaled score and a percentile for each subject of the test (Quantitative, Reading, and Verbal)....How is the SSAT Scored?LevelSection Scaled Score RangeTotal Scaled Score RangeElementary300—600900—1,800Middle440—7101320—2,130Upper500—8001500—2,400Jan 5, 2021

What's on It, and Why Are There Different Levels?

Because the SSAT helps test students for admission to private middle and high schools, different levels of the test are offered depending on where...

When Can I Take It, and How Do I Sign Up?

The SSAT is given once a month from October to April, with an additional date in June. Flex dates, which are additional testing dates offered outsi...

What's The Difference Between The Isee® and The SSAT?

Both the ISEE and the SSAT are used for admission to private middle and high schools and test Vocabulary, Math and Reading Comprehension. Many scho...

What are the levels of the SSAT?

Because the SSAT helps test students for admission to private middle and high schools, different levels of the test are offered depending on where you are in your education. The Upper Level is designed for applicants in 8th grade and above. The Middle Level is for applicants in 5th, 6th and 7th grade, and the Elementary Level is for applicants in 3rd and 4th grade. No matter which level of the test you'll be taking, the SSAT will always test the same three sections—Quantitative (the Upper and Middle Levels have two sections of this, as opposed to one for Elementary), Reading Comprehension and Verbal Reasoning. The test also contains an unscored essay that is sent to the schools you're applying to.

Why are there different levels of the SSAT?

What's on it, and why are there different levels? Because the SSAT helps test students for admission to private middle and high schools, different levels of the test are offered depending on where you are in your education. The Upper Level is designed for applicants in 8th grade and above. The Middle Level is for applicants in 5th, 6th ...

Does the SSAT have an essay?

The test also contains an unscored essay that is sent to the schools you're applying to. The Upper and Middle Levels of the SSAT contain one unscored experimental section of the test that contains Verbal, Reading and Quantitative questions. This section won't affect your score; it is used to make sure that future versions of the exam have reliable, ...

What is the purpose of the SSAT?

Despite their differences, all levels of the SSAT share the same goal, to measure your verbal, quantitative, and reading comprehension skills. The verbal sections of the test ask about vocabulary, verbal reasoning, and relationships between ideas. The quantitative sections will ask you to solve problems with mathematical concepts. Finally, the reading sections present passages and ask questions about their content.

What Is the SSAT and Who Takes It?

The SSAT is designed for students in grades 3 through 11 who are seeking admission to private schools. It's available in three levels: elementary for students in grades 3 and 4, middle for students in grades 5 through 7, and upper for students in grades 8 through 11.

How Is the SSAT Scored?

Your SSAT score report will tell you how you did on each scored section—verbal, math, and reading—as well as your total score, or the sum of your section scores. You'll also get percentiles that show how your performance compares to that of other test-takers.

What is the SSAT for schools?

The SSAT, like the SAT for colleges, is just one piece of a student's private school application.

How long is the SSAT?

The elementary level SSAT lasts one hour and 50 minutes and has a math, verbal, reading, and writing section. You can see the complete structure in the chart below.

How long is the middle level SSAT?

The middle level test is much longer than the elementary level at three hours and five minutes. Its Writing section, while still unscored, comes at the beginning of the test. It also features an unscored experimental section with 16 multiple choice questions.

What is the admissions test?

It's an admissions test that independent schools throughout the U.S. and the world use to assess their prospective students. The test is available in three levels, so students in elementary, middle, and high school can take it.

What is the SSAT test?

The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) is a required entrance exam at many independent schools throughout the United States. The test, created and administered by the Secondary School Admission Test Board in Princeton, New Jersey, is a multiple-choice exam that consists of Verbal, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative (Math) sections. In addition, there is a writing sample in which you respond to a topic sentence. This essay is not graded but is submitted along with your multiple-choice score report to the schools to which you have applied. The Middle and Upper Level exams will also contain an experimental section of problems that will not be scored.#N#There are three levels of the SSAT: 1 Upper Level (for students currently in grades 8–11) 2 Middle Level (for students currently in grades 5–7) 3 Elementary Level (for all students currently in grades 3–4)

What are the levels of the SSAT?

There are three levels of the SSAT: Upper Level (for students currently in grades 8–11) Middle Level (for students currently in grades 5–7) Elementary Level (for all students currently in grades 3–4)

What is the Difference Between the SSAT and the ISEE?

On the ISEE, the Verbal section contains Synonym and Sentence Completion questions. On the SSAT, the Verbal section contains Synonym and Analogy questions.

How many times are the SSAT tests given?

Standard tests are given eight times during the academic year: October, November, December, January, February, March, April, and June. While most students choose a Standard test option, a Flex test is helpful for students who are unable to meet the eight scheduled Standard times. However, a student can only take one Flex test between August and July. You may register online, by fax, or by mail. For more information, go to the official test site at ssat.org.

How much does each wrong answer subtract from your SSAT score?

For a Middle/Upper Level SSAT, though, there is a slight penalty for wrong answers– while you still get a full point for each correct answer, each wrong answer subtracts a quarter of a point from your score. Here’s the formula:

How much does it cost to take the SSAT?

The SSAT middle/upper level test fee is $127 ($45 late fee, $35 change fee). The international fee is $247 (outside the US, Canada, Am. Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Saipan, and USVI). You may be eligible for a fee waiver if you are unable to pay it, though waivers are limited. Contact your admission office if you have more questions about test fees or waivers.

How long does it take to take the SSAT?

The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) has four sections (170 questions total) and one unscored essay prompt. It'll take approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes to complete the test with a couple of short breaks built in.

Can you get accommodations for SSAT?

We are committed to ensuring that reasonable SSAT accommodations are available when necessary. Any student diagnosed with, or suspected of having a disabling condition or impairment that substantially limits their ability to perform a major life activity, may be eligible to receive testing accommodations when completing the SSAT. Major life activities include but are not limited to seeing, hearing, speaking, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and learning.

Does the SSAT waiver apply to online practice materials?

In addition to removing the testing fee for any paper-based or digital SSAT, the waiver also applies to our online practice materials and Admission Academy, which become available after you've registered for the SSAT using the fee waiver.

Why is the SSAT important?

The SSAT is your first step toward independent school success. Since 1957, students have used the SSAT to showcase their verbal, math, and reading skills to admissions professionals. It’s one important component of a complete application process, and it helps both schools and students ensure they find the best match.

What is the SSAT practice material?

Official SSAT Practice Materials help your student get ready for the SSAT with both online and books available. Try the free mini-test or get an online subscription to practice for a year. You can also order the books. All practice upgrades include 4 full length tests. Online practice includes quizzes and other practice materials.

What is SAO in school?

The Standard Application Online (SAO) simplifies the process for families applying to private schools. Students can submit their information, essays, transcripts, and recommendations once to any school that accepts it.

What is the gold standard test for college admission?

The SSAT is the gold-standard test that helps students stand out in the admission process.

What is the SSAT test used for?

This is especially true when it comes to the SSAT, a standardized test used in secondary school admissions.

What is the reading section of the SSAT?

This is especially true when it comes to the SSAT, a standardized test used in secondary school admissions. The SSAT reading section asks students to read a variety of short fiction and non-fiction excerpts ...

How to get a high score on the SSAT?

It’s also vital to practice regularly. Taking consistent, timed SSAT Reading sections and boosting your fluency in question types is the surest way to move quickly to a high score.

What is the upper level reading section of the SSAT?

According to the SSAT.org, the Upper-Level SSAT Reading section is designed to “measure your ability to understand what you read.”

What type of question does not appear in the SSAT?

There is one question type that does not appear in the SSAT’s list of Reading topics: Literary Devices.

What is detail question?

Detail questions test students’ literal comprehension of specific details in the text.

What is the SSAT Exam?

SSAT stands for Secondary School Admissions Test, and it is a test that is used for the admission of learners to high schools and middle schools. If you are looking forward to attending your preferred high school, this is the exam that you are supposed to perform well on. This examination covers verbal, reading, and math skills. Additionally, the SSAT exam was designed to determine the ability of a student in a specific skill and isn’t regarded as an achievement test. Also, SSAT scores aren’t part of a student’s college application.

What Grade Do You Take SSAT?

The SSAT test is dedicated to learners in 3rd grade to 11th grade who are want to be admitted to private schools. It is offered in three academics levels: elementary for learners in the third and fourth grade, middle for learners in the fifth through seventh grade, and upper for learners in the eighth through the eleventh grade.

How Important are the HSPT and SSAT Exams?

At High School of America, we know that middle school and high school entrance examinations are crucial to the future of a student. These exams are a chance to identify and remedy content or test-taking gaps prior to enrollment in middle school or high school. In the event, your students want additional practice, High School of America offers online courses to boost general study, writing, reading, and math skills.

Why is HSPT important?

In addition to working toward a better score, preparing for HSPT or SSAT is a way of boosting confidence and learn crucial skills. When viewed as a challenge that can be overcome with hard work and skill-building, your learner’s standardized test prep becomes a fun and challenging opportunity to develop executive skills as well as test-taking strategies. The appropriate preparation test can set your learner up for test-taking success in the future.

What are the sections of HSPT?

The HSPT consists of three sections. These sections include composite, total basic skills, and total cognitive skills. The composite section comprises Language, Math, Reading, Quantitative, and Verbal subtests. The total basic skills consist of Language, Math, and Reading subtests. Lastly, the cognitive skills sections comprise quantitative and verbal subtests.

Can you use calculators on SSAT?

Since students lose a quarter a point for every wrong answer, students are not supposed to make random guesses on math sections of SSAT. Learners aren’t allowed to utilize calculators during SSAT math examinations.

Is HSPT Easier than ISEE?

Yes. The HSPT test is easier than the ISEE test. The math section of the ISEE tends to be more challenging even for advanced learners.

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