Hi! I’m an 8th grade girl who’ll be taking the SSAT on September 28th. I hope to be able to get into a school like Exeter or Choate. On my most recent practice test, my overall percentile was 89. I’ve taken two, and the quantative section is always my lowest scoring. I was actually taught math in Cantonese until 6th grade, I’m wondering if that’s common? Does anyone have any tips on how to quickly improve my math?
I can’t afford to go to any tutoring, unless free/online.
@TheHappinessFund We found SSAT.org online materials a good value (you do have to pay but less than independent companies’ materials) as you have access to many mini and full SSAT tests. Do not worry about a high 80s math score. My son went to a “top ten” school with a math score in the 80s (with a higher verbal). A friend of his was denied with a “perfect” 99th total percentile. At an 89% you are “good” there and should prep essays and interviews. Good luck.
@PrepDad2018 How long should we study before the test for “good” scores. I know there isn’t an exact number, but how many hours did your son put in?
@“thatshot…” He really only practiced 2-3 hours a week (1-2 hours with a Math tutor, practice on his own) on Math because his prep tests were only slightly above average. He skipped the Language side as he was good there. Sept/Oct before his Nov test was the range.
I’d guess he’d have been 60-75% math without studying up a bit due mostly to lack of exposure in some areas. I think he ended up at 88% or so Math.
I’d loosely recommend two dedicated hours a week on the concepts that are above your current schooling level. You will be scored against current 8th graders, so you do not need to worry about mastering Alg 2 on your own. But getting an idea of sophomore geometry and new algebra concepts will be helpful. Or ELA or both pending your need.
The Perfect 99% has no more value than a 90% pending the remainder of your application, essays, and interviews. So prep but don’t obsess. Bon chance.