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What is SSAT?
SSAT is an elementary, middle and upper school level entrance exam, used to measure students’ abilities prior to acceptance to private and independent schools. SSAT was created for grades 3 through 10. These three sections (Lower, Middle, and Upper) have much in common, but also some key distinctions, which will be discussed further on.
Similar to the high school level SAT, SSAT measures verbal, quantitative, and reading skills that are desired in students by private schools. This assessment has proven to be invaluable for admissions and students alike, as it compares individuals on a standardized level where only their scores are taken into account, not their backgrounds, experience, image, or gender.
Globally, most independent schools require SSAT for enrollment, therefore anyone applying to a private school around the world (especially in the States and Canada) can benefit from taking this exam. However, the test is not the sole factor taken into account. When applying to an independent school, a student’s admissions interview, prior grades, references, and personal essays will also be considered.
The HYC Advantage
Other than helping with preparation for English, Math and Writing section of SSAT, Hack Your Course can guide students through the application process also to make sure they achieve their full potential and get into their dream private school in Vancouver.
SSAT Testing Levels
Elementary Level
Grades 3-4Tests students in grades 3 and 4. Separate tests are given to each grade since there is a great leap in learning between the two.
Middle Level
Grades 5-7Designed for students in grades 5 through 7. This level focuses on verifying foundational skills needed for success in upper grades.
Upper Level
Grades 8-11Targeted at students in grades 8 through 11. Rigorous testing to ensure readiness for high school curriculum and college prep programs.
Middle Level Structure
A comprehensive look at the timing and sections for the Middle Level SSAT exam.
VERBAL SECTION
Is separated into SYNONYMS & ANALOGIES, this section measures vocabulary and ability to find relationships between words.
01.Synonyms
Synonyms will not be limited to grade level vocabulary and thus having a tutor to help develop a strong vocabulary is highly recommended. Students must choose from multiple words to determine which has the closest meaning to the prompt. i.e.
Find the synonym to Harrowing:
02.Analogies
Analogies measure a student’s verbal reasoning and their ability to find the closest related word to the prompt, once they have determined the bridge between the two example words.
Strong is to weak as _______ is to hot:
The bridge will not always be straightforward or literal and students must recognize several common bridges like antonyms, synonyms, levels of intensity, parts of wholes.
Reading Comprehension Section
Measures comprehension from numerous types of passages, each between 250 to 350 words. Genres may include: literature, poetry, essay, biography, science (anthropology, medicine, technology), and social studies. The texts will either be written as a narrative or in the form of an argument.
Students will be asked a variety of questions related to each text, including:
After reading each excerpt, you will answer questions about the author’s perspective and purpose, or about the content itself.
Writing Section
Students will choose between two story starters and write a sequential story (beginning, middle, and end). Not graded, but used to exemplify organization and writing skills and used by the admission group of most of the schools. You will have a choice between two creative story starters.
Experimental Section
5 quantitative, 6 verbal, and 5 reading questions, used by SSAT writers to create future content. Neither scored, Nor reported to schools.
Upper Level SSAT
The format of the upper level SSAT is more or less the same as middle level but in a higher level. The exam duration and the report cards are also the same. The breakdown of the math section is as follows.
QUANTITATIVE (MATH) SECTION
The topics covered in SSAT upper level are the same as middle level but subcategories are wider and different as follows:
Pre-Algebra
Algebra
Geometry
Statistics & Probability
Computation
Number Sense
SSAT Scoring System
Scaled Scores
On the SSAT score reports, students receive scaled scores for Quantitative, Verbal, and Reading sections. The total score adds together these three sections, but the range depends on the level one is taking (Elementary, Middle, and Upper).
Equated Format
Because the SSAT prevails as a leading assessment test worldwide, its scores must be equated so that future scores can be compared. Therefore the format is not simply to add points or lose points for correct or incorrect/missed answers. Instead, scores are scaled so that they can be compared across the years.
Percentile Ranks
On the candidate's SSAT report, they will receive a percentile rank for each section. This is calculated by comparing their scores to those of previous test takers in the same age/gender from US and Canada. Not only can a student see where they stand in the percentiles, but they can also find an accurate prediction of how your scores might be if you took the test again.
School Admissions
Many private schools like Collingwood and Mulgrave in Greater Vancouver and worldwide use the percentiles to compare you to other applicants and to decide if you would be successful in their programs, based on how well previous applicants with similar scores faired. School grades will also be taken into account, so it is important to show diligence both in the SSAT and in regular school work. Schools can also speak with teachers to determine what kind of student you are and base their decision on a combination of these factors.
Score Ranges by Level
Total score ranges for each SSAT testing level
SSAT Score Report Example
Here is what an SSAT score report looks like from one of our students at Hack Your Course.
A "Good" Score
What Schools Look For
While most schools won't explicitly state what range they are looking for, they will probably have a statement about why they cannot accept low range students, since this is a possible indicator of future difficulties.
Understanding the Scaled Design
It is important to note that even if a student is answering seemingly half of the questions wrong, countless other test takers are facing the same challenge. The SSAT's scaled design accounts for this. That being said, if someone is facing an unusually low score, like 1650/2400, they can expect acceptance into the school of their choice to be difficult.
Considering a Retake?
Some students will decide to retake the test upon reviewing their score. However, SSAT scores are unlikely to change unless the student puts in a great deal of effort, seeks out a tutor, or makes a major change in the way they are studying. The test is designed to give comparable results for students of a similar level, thus there is slim chance of "getting lucky". It is better to be willing to work hard and seek help with a qualified tutor.
HOW CAN HACK YOUR COURSE HELP?!
With more and more independent schools expecting students to perform over and above on their SSAT, parents are turning to Hack Your Course for our expertise in this field. Hack your course and it's SSAT tutors have helped lower, middle, and upper-level students to outperform their global counterparts, and we continue to put Vancouver, Toronto and Seattle students on the map. Not only can we guarantee our students to reach higher percentiles, we can also help them grow the knowledge base necessary to become leaders in their new school and in all their future endeavors.
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