Hello! I’ll be taking my SSAT in 10 days and I’ll be taking another one in January. I’m sort of stressing myself out here. Never in my life has a test been so difficult. I expect myself to ace the math section (750+) as well as the verbal section, but the reading section is the root of all of my stress. Any tips or advice?
It would also be helpful if you were to talk about your experience with the SSAT. How were you feeling as you walked into the testing room? How did you feel after taking the test? Was it easier or harder than you expected? Do you believe that you were well prepared?
Also, I’m applying to both Phillipses so I need to score above the 90th percentile.
I would to see how you pace yourself during the reading section and stick to that (or even maybe speed up) during the real test. At least from my own experience, once you slow down to check an answer for a while, it is tremendously difficult to make up time. Also, underlining key info was pretty helpful to me.
I would say that taking the real SSAT is very different is many ways compared to practice tests. Time flies during sections, so there really is no time to stop and check an answer really carefully. I would definitely bring a good snack to eat during breaks, as the test can be a little draining at some points. After the test, I would always think about how many I got wrong, and I also was just happy that it was over. Once it’s over, it doesn’t seem that hard of an ordeal after all. I personally thought that I was always very lucky when I took the test.
Also, keep in mind that the SSAT is just one factor in the admission process!
I can give a parents perspective. Like in your situation, the math section was my son’s strength - he scored 800 both times. He really didn’t prep for the first test except for taking one online practice test through the SSAT website. He retook it a month later, using Quizlet to improve the verbal section. The reading section benefits most from learning specific tactics that you can find in prep books, websites and SSAT videos on YouTube. IMO, those are the hardest to learn and implement, but doing so is supposed to make a big difference (on the SSAT and other tests, including the SAT). In general, the goal is to not actually read the passages from beginning to end, but instead start with the questions and then skim the text for the answers. My son tried to implement those tactics but said it was difficult to do so. He ended up scoring the same on the reading section the second time. I think trying to make such a big change in approach over just a few weeks was too difficult. It seems like those who are preparing much further in advance can benefit from implementing the reading section tactics, because they have time and the ability to take multiple practice tests (SSAT and other tests) to grow comfortable and fast with them.
My son left the test feeling like he did better than the practice tests and he was correct. He immediately felt he did better the second test and he did. So his impression matched his results, though any individual’s perception cannot be generalized to others’.
Don’t forget to write a nice essay during the test, too.
Lastly, if the reading section is stressing you out, consider taking the ISEE to complement your SSAT. The reading section is easier and the math is harder. It’s a chance to prove reading is not a true weakness and to further showcase strength in math. Plus, the essay be a creative writing topic, which my son found much easier and more fun. NE schools seem to favor the SSAT, so we ended up sending both scores, not just the ISEE.
Practice timing yourself on Reading…Be prepared for different settings if you are taking the test in different locations…BRING A WATCH…you will not be able to use your phone to keep track of time and some testing locations do not have a clock on the wall. :!!