How to Prepare for the SSAT Practice Tests?

The Secondary School Admission Test– SSAT test is organized to evaluate students’ ability in math, verbal, and reading skills. Students get multiple chances to take the test throughout the year. If students are looking for an elite private middle or high school, they have to pass the SSAT test. Students in grades 3 through 11 take this test.

Levels of the SSAT: There are 3 levels of this test such as elementary, middle, and upper level. Students in grades 3 and 4 go for elementary level while students in grades 5 through 7 take middle-level SSAT test. Students in grades 8 through 11 take upper-level tests. All the levels of SSAT are skill-based, not knowledge or achievement-based. All levels of the SSAT practice test contain a quantitative section, a verbal section, a reading comprehension section, and a writing sample. Students take 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete an elementary-level test. This also includes 15 minutes break between the sections. Students take 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete middle and upper levels tests.

The SSAT practice test is organized eight Saturdays a year at several test centers all over the world. Sunday testing is also available for some students who can not attend on Saturday due to religious activities. Request for Sunday testing must be submitted at least three days before the test. Request for special accommodations must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the test.

The registration fee for the different levels of the SSAT practice test varies depending on their levels. The fee for the elementary level is 80$, and for middle and upper levels is 120$. Late registration is also available with an additional fee. If a student does not take the test on his registered date, refunds are not given, but the student can reschedule to another date by paying a 35$ additional fee. A student can be eligible for a scholarship if he cannot pay the fee due to financial problems. Fee waivers must be submitted directly to the admissions office of the school.

Students receive an individual scoring for every section of SSAT such as math, verbal, and reading. The area of scoring for different levels also varies depending on their levels. The scores for elementary level using 300 to 600 scale, middle level using 440 to 710 scale, and upper level using a 500 to 800 scale. From these scores, a percentage is calculated, which shows students’ scores as a percentage. A detailed result of students’ performance is also given, which shows right, wrong, and omitted answers. The writing sample of the SSAT practice test does not include scores. A copy of this section is sent to respective schools.

During the test, the use of a calculator or any other electronic device is not allowed. Students are only asked to perform basic calculations. If students in the middle or upper levels answer a question correctly, they get one raw point. If students answer incorrectly, a ¼ raw point is deducted. There is no excuse for not answering a question.
To prepare for the SSAT practice test, you should be familiar with the test format. Practice past exams to get used to it. Focus on your weak areas. Learn basic topics of mathematics. Take sound sleep before the test day.

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