The SSAT
A majority of private High Schools in America use the Secondary School Admission Test or SSAT. Independent schools have many more students applying than they have available slots. The SSAT test is an integral part of the selection process for independent schools; grade point average GPA scores simply do not go far enough. The SSAT test consists of an essay, multiple-choice questions, mathematics, reading comprehension and a verbal. Test scores for the SSAT range from 1500-2400. It generally takes two weeks to receive scores.
Education decides the future for most students. The SSAT test will decide if a student can attend an independent school. Schools that students attend play an important role in a student’s education even on through college. Passing the test is important; to be able to pass SSAT preparation is crucial. There is a tremendous amount of information available on the Internet study guides and practice test. SSAT test prep is as important as the test itself. Schools that require testing for admission will have practice exams flash cards and information unique to their testing requirements at their location. Therefore, the best resources would be the ones provided by the school, or the SSAT test site.
Preparation for the SSAT is the first step in passing the test. Study guides can be purchased at any SSAT site on the Internet. Take the practice tests in the correct order to understand how the actual test works. Be efficient, keeping in mind the test is timed, yet do not rush. Students have to register to take the exam, and there are several dates available. Pick the dates carefully; if a student wishes to take the exam again ensure there is another date available after the actual test date.
Obviously, a student’s test score is important, the higher the score the greater chance of admission. There is competition to gain admission to an independent school, and proper SSAT preparation is essential to compete. Students need to insure their testing date allows them time to be graded before the school they have applied for closes registration. Tests can take up to two weeks to be scored. Students should leave enough time to retake the test if one wants to raise the SSAT test score. Keep in mind, the school will need time to receive the test scores, and to evaluate them.
Early SSAT preparation is vital to getting into an independent school. There are tests for grades 5 through 7 and a test for grades 8 through 11. Students can even use their current learning environment to study, and to learn how to study. Comprehension and reasoning skills are important as well as writing. Writing a brief essay is part of the SSAT test, as well as mathematics and verbal skills.
Independent schools use the SSAT test to gain a complete picture of applicants, and not just to see how students have done on exams in the past. That is why the students GPA is not a crucial part of the application process. SSAT determines the overall comprehension on a variety of subjects. That is why SSAT prep is so important to a student’s future.
