The SSAT is a standardized admission test given to those interested in applying to private schools.
It is given at three levels
- elementary 3-4th grade,
- middle level 5th-7th grade and
- upper level 8th-11th grade.
First, it contains four sections: 2 math, 1 reading, and 1 verbal, and the difficulty of problem/reading and vocabulary at each level is challenging. The verbal section contains 30 analogy and 30 synonym questions, so it is impossible to bluff your way through.
Second, as with the SAT, a student is penalized for guessing, so it pays to learn strategies such as process of elimination, plugging in numbers, etc. Because most of the students taking these tests are not familiar with either the content or the techniques, this is a test that should NOT be taken cold. Advantage Learning has experience in guiding middle level and upper level students through the test. Depending on their level of preparation, students should expect to take 10-12 weeks, along with three practice tests to prepare for the test.
Finally, it is essential that the student, as well as the parent, is committed to the goal of attending the private school. After all, though studying for the test may seem arduous, that will pale in comparison to work awaiting the student at school once admitted!
Count on Advantage Learning Center to help your children prepare for this important test.