So I’m applying to the top boarding schools in the country but I’ve been scoring really low on SSAT. I took the WASI-II IQ test and got 98th percentile. My best section was analogies/Vocabulary where I got 99.6th percentile. However, I have been scoring extremely low on the verbal section of the SSAT, does anyone know why or have tips for doing better?
PS. in Reading, I’ve been getting from 80-90th percentile.
These are not really tests you can compare. IQ tests compare you to a general population— this is not. Many of the children have gifted designations, high IQs, superior opportunities and you are being compared to THEM. That is often a shock when you enter new types of schools— everybody is smart, everybody works hard and wants to succeed, everybody is good at X, Y, Z or W, Q, P.
I don’t believe the SSAT has as much of a time crunch as the ISEE but I came to understand that these tests serve many purposes. The schools use them not just to assess knowledge, but to see who prepares for them, who can perform under pressure, etc. some kids, even with preparation, will meet the average and some will excel.
Practice. Time yourself. Understand the scoring.
Just checking - have you read about the scoring?
I agree with @SweetBoy1 - many smart kids are surprised by the ssat. It’s a self selecting group of some of the most motivated students in the country and not everyone performs well on standardized tests.
@one1ofeach I have read up on scoring-I think also when the questions are read to me it is easier considering I always read things wrong. I’m hoping I’m more alert the day of the test. Do you recommend studying the week before or taking a break?
I’m a bit confused - do you have an accommodation where someone reads you the questions? I did not know that was possible.
If nerves are causing the reading comprehension issues I’d say you’d be better served with meditating the week before vs studying.
@one1ofeach on IQ tests(at least at the practice I took mine at) the questions have to be read. I can’t meditate(I will throw up) but I will take walks as they clear my mind.
I thought that many (if not most) schools are going to be test optional this year.
If you do go ahead with the test, the analogy section is something you can study for by learning the strategies. I wrote a solid explanation on this a few years ago, You must recognize the types of analogies. There used to be an app for this a few years ago. Sometimes, the performance on the SSAT reflects time issues. The Reading section is tricky. The time crunch on the Reading section can set many students back.
@Golfgr8 Reading is definitely my best, I’ve been scoring from around 80-90th percentile. Verbal is by far the worst. Quantative is mostly careless errors.
We can estimate how is 98% IQ placed in the group of all SSAT test takers. Suppose SSAT test takers have a mean SAT score of 1350, which is typical for BS schools, since 1350 is 91% percentile of student nationwide, ignoring the skewness of distribution, we can guess the SSAT test takers are in 80% to 100% percentile of population. a 98% IQ will place you into 2%/20% = top 10% percent.
Therefore even the SSAT group is more competitive than the whole population, you are still in the 90% percentile on raw talent. Be confident.
IQ = apples, SSAT score = oranges. Don’t try to compare. Focus on better oranges.
I got an 85% on my SSAT and got into Taft and Loomis Chaffee (waitlisted at Choate). However, I’ve been speaking to several new students at my school this year who said they got incredibly low scores! Like some in the 50s and 60s! Don’t you worry, I’m sure you have other components to support your application!