<p>Hi, I just took my second timed practice test from the SSAT booklet for the Upper Level (2010-2011 Version) and I the scaled score I got was roughly 2250. I would be very, very happy with this score on the real SSAT, and I wanted to know how these to compared to one another. Also, another important aspect about the SSAT; the essay. I'm quite sure I bombed this part last year and I was curious as to whether it is weighted on an Acceptance/Rejection Basis. I'm feeling more confident now, but it's better to be prepared. Thank you everyone!!</p>
<p>I’m not sure about the SSAT booklet, but the ones from Barrons were pretty close. Focus on your weaker sections as you prepare for the fall test. </p>
<p>For the essay, you should be able to write a well organized essay. The standard five paragraph essay can be shortened to four given the time limit, but make sure you do the following:</p>
<ol>
<li> Answer the question asked</li>
<li> Have at least two points in support of your position (the two or three body paragraphs)</li>
<li> Have an introduction that introduces your key points and a conclusion that tidly sums up.</li>
<li> Use precise language and avoid junk vocabulary.</li>
<li> Spelling, grammar and punctuation need to be well executed.</li>
</ol>
<p>Remember, they’re trying to see if you can write without adult help.</p>
<p>kraordrawoh beat me to it. </p>
<p>My daughter did better on the real SSAT than she did on the practice tests (Princeton Review & McGraw-Hill), but I’ve heard of it going in the other direction. Generally, though, the scores on the practice and real tests have been in the same ballpark +/- a few points either way.</p>
<p>Honestly, I think that worrying about scores is just about the worst thing you can do going into an actual test. 2250 is a great score, so don’t stress. Use that energy to have a good essay strategy you can respond compellingly and coherently to ANY prompt.</p>
<p>I used the actually SSAT booklet and then the Princeton Review book. I found that the Math was just about right, the Verbal was a little harder than on the real thing, and the Reading was A LOT easier than on the real thing. This was just my opinion. The first time I took the practice test I got 99th percentile math, 99th percentile reading, and something like 64th percentile on verbal. When I studied more and took another practice test I got 99th percentile math, 99th percentile reading, and 89th percentile verbal. Since I was doing so well in Math and Reading I focused on verbal before the test. On the actual SSAT though, the reading questions were SO HARD! I almost ran out of time and even had to skip a few, where on the practice tests I got close to getting every one right. There were probably 5-10 questions that I was pretty lost on. The verbal was a lot easier than I expected. Math is my best subject and was very easy for me. On the actual test I got 99th percentile Math, 97th Verbal, 95th Reading, with total 99th percentile. </p>
<p>As for the writing, I was really worried that I wouldn’t understand the prompt. It ended up being okay. I did my best and while the writing wasn’t the best I’ve done it was good enough. </p>
<p>I ended up being accepted to the only school I applied to.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>A 2250 sounds like it’s in the low 90’s (where I scored). It might be in the 80’s depending on the year/test. Get the most recent Princeton Review SSAT book and use the chart in it to convert your scaled SSAT score to a percentage.</p>
<p>It’s not in the high 80’s because I scored a high 80’s last year and recieved a much lower score. Thanks for all the help though!</p>
<p>If you’re doing the Princeton Review, the real SSAT is much easier than the practice ones in the book.</p>