How to Prepare for the SSAT

The SSAT, or Secondary School Admissions Test, is very important for those taking it. Schools that require the SSAT are basically dream schools, and the test scores are thoughtfully considered for admission, as well as scholarships. The best thing that you can do to get great scores is to do a great job preparing.

It is very important for the SSAT to know how it works. There are four sections and an essay. There is verbal, two quantitative, and reading comprehension sections. The verbal section contains 60 questions and you are given 30 minutes. There are two quantitative sections, both with 25 questions and 25 minutes, and a reading comprehension section with 40 questions and 30 minutes. Finally, there is an essay with 25 minutes.

It is also very important to know how it is scored. Every question that you get right receives one point, and for every incorrect question you are docked 1/4 of a point. Any question that you do not answer, you are not credited for. So, logically, you would want to eliminate at least 2 answer choices before guessing, since there are five answer choices for every question.

For the verbal section, I highly reccommend honing your vocabulary. Read more, and when you come across a word that you do not know, write it down and look it up later. Then, make flashcards. The flashcards are key. Join a site like Studystack or Quizlet, and use it to your advantage.

For the math section, if you are in the eighth grade and taking Algebra 1 or a similar class, you should just look over past worksheets, tests, and notes. If your class level is not that high, I suggest buying the Kaplan 2010 SSAT & ISEE book. It is very helpful in math as well as all of the other sections, and includes a couple practice tests that are set up almost identical to the actual test.

For the essay section, write, write, and write some more. Write stories, poems, practice essays, articles, and even blogs. The more you write the better you write, same goes with the rest of preparing. Though the best way to prepare is to simply relax. No one can do well on any test when they are stressed.

If you use these tips and buy the Kaplan 2010 SSAT & ISEE book, you will be prepared to the fullest for the test day. Good luck getting in to your dream school!

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