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WHAT IS SSAT?

SSAT is an elementary, middle and upper school level entrance exam, used to measure students’ abilities prior to acceptance to private and independent schools. SSAT was created for grades 3 through 10. These three sections (Lower, Middle, and Upper) have much in common, but also some key distinctions, which will be discussed further on.

Similar to the high school level SAT, SSAT measures verbal, quantitative, and reading skills that are desired in students by private schools. This assessment has proven to be invaluable for admissions and students alike, as it compares individuals on a standardized level where only their scores are taken into account, not their backgrounds, experience, image, or gender.

Globally, most independent schools require SSAT for enrollment, therefore anyone applying to a private school around the world (especially in the States and Canada) can benefit from taking this exam. However, the test is not the sole factor taken into account. When applying to an independent school, a student’s admissions interview, prior grades, references, and personal essays will also be considered.

Other than helping with preparation for English, Math and Writing section of SSAT, Hack Your Course can guide students through the application process also to make sure they achieve their full potential and get into their dream private school in Vancouver.

what are ssat testing levels?

Elementary level tests students in grades 3 and 4, however separate tests are given to each grade since there is a great leap in learning between the two.
Middle Level: Tests students in grades 5 to 7.
Upper Level: Tests students in grades 8-11.

what is in ssat MIDDLE level?

SSAT middle-level timing in West Vancouver and North Vancouver with Hack your course online & in-home tutoring service
taken from www.ssat.org

QUANTITATIVE (MATH) SECTION

It measures your ability to solve problems involving arithmetic, elementary algebra, geometry, and other concepts . You do not require and may not use a calculator for this section.

The quantitative section is divided into the following sections:

Pre-Algebra includes:Estimation, Ratios & Proportions ,Sequences, Patterns & Logic, Spatial Reasoning Unit Analysis
Algebra includes: Interpreting Variables ,Multi-Step Word Problems, Solving Equations & Inequalities.
Data Analysis includes: Interpreting Bar Graphs, Interpreting Histograms, Interpreting Line Graphs,
Geometry includes: 2 and 3-Dimensional Shapes, Geometric Transformations, Geometry of Circles, Pythagorean Theorem, The Coordinate Plane,
Measurements include: Area, Perimeter & Volume,Length/Width Problems,Time/Money Problems, Working with Angles
Number concepts include: Basic Computation, Decimals, Fractions, Order of Operations, Percent, Place Value, Properties of Operations, Whole Numbers, Word Problems.
Number conversions include: Decimal/Fraction/Percent
Statistics and probability includes: Basic Probability, ,Compound Events, Mean, Median & Mode

VERBAL SECTION

Is separated into SYNONYMS & ANALYGIES , this section measures vocabulary and ability to find relationships between words.

Synonyms will not be limited to grade level vocabulary and thus having a tutor to help develop a strong vocabulary is highly recommended. Students must choose from multiple words to determine which has the closest meaning to the prompt. i.e.

Example:
Find the synonym to Harrowing:
a) Battlement
b) Hollow
c) Excruciating
d) Veritable

Analogies measure a student’s verbal reasoning and their ability to find the closest related word to the prompt, once they have determined the bridge between the two example words.

Example:
Strong is to weak as _______ is to hot:
a) cold
b) warm
c) beautiful
d) meek.

The bridge will not always be straightforward or literal and students must recognize several common bridges like antonyms, synonyms, levels of intensity, parts of wholes.

READING COMPREHENSION SECTION

Measures comprehension from numerous types of passages, each between 250 to 350 words. Genres may include: literature, poetry, essay, biography, science (anthropology, medicine, technology), and social studies. The texts will either be written as a narrative or in the form of an argument.

Students will be asked a variety of questions related to each text, including: what is the main idea, what is the meaning of a certain word/ phrase, what is the author’s purpose, what is the argument in the text, the tone, what details prove a certain point, what predictions can be made based on what you read?
After reading each excerpt, you will answer questions about the author’s perspective and purpose, or about the content itself.

WRITING SECTION

Students will choose between two story starters and write a sequential story (beginning, middle, and end). Not graded, but used to exemplify organization and writing skills and used by the admission group of most of the schools. You will have a choice between two creative story starters.

EXPERIMENTAL SECTION

5 quantitative, 6 verbal, and 5 reading questions, used by SSAT writers to create future content. Neither scored, Nor reported to schools.

what is in ssat upper level?

The format of the upper level SSAT is more or less the same as middle level but in a higher level. The exam duration and the report cards are also the same. The breakdown of the math section is as follows.

QUANTITATIVE (MATH) SECTION

The topics covered in SSAT upper level are the same as middle level but subcategories are wider and different as follows:

The Pre-Algebra is divided into the following sections:
Applying Place Value Concepts, Applying Time/Money Concepts
Computation with Whole Numbers, Computational Clue Problems
Interpret & Solve with Division, Multiples in Word Problems
Operations with Decimals, Operations with Fractions & Operations with Negatives,
Radius and Circumference
Reading Charts/Bar Graphs, Reading Charts/Histograms
Reading Charts/Line Graphs, Reading Charts/Line Plots
Rules of Divisibility, Sequences, Patterns & Logic
Unit Analysis, Word Problems with Computation
 

The Algebra is divided into the following sections:
Classic Problem Solving,
Common Factor Equations Based on Illustrations, Equations Based on Word Problems
Exponential Expressions,
Factoring
Functions, Inequalities
Interpreting Variables, Linear Equations
Polynomial Expressions, Quadratic Equations
Radical Expressions, Ratio & Proportions
Rational Expressions, Scientific Notation
Slope

The computation is divided into the following sections:
Estimation Fractions, Decimals & Percents

The Geometry is divided into the following sections:
Coordinate Perimeter, Area & Volume
Problems Using Shapes & Angles
Pythagorean Theorem
Transformations

Number Sense is divided into:
Basic Number Theory Computation / Order of Operations

Statistics and probability are divided into the following sections:
Counting Mean, Median & Mode Probability Set Theory

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Elementary level tests students in grades 3 and 4, however separate tests are given to each grade since there is a great leap in learning between the two.
Middle Level: Tests students in grades 5 to 7.
Upper Level: Tests students in grades 8-11.

what is in ssat middle level?

best sat preparation service in Vancouver

It measures your ability to solve problems involving arithmetic, elementary algebra, geometry, and other concepts . You do not require and may not use a calculator for this section.

The quantitative section is divided into the following sections:

Pre-Algebra includes: Estimation Ratios & Proportions Sequences, Patterns & Logic Spatial Reasoning Unit Analysis
Algebra includes: Interpreting Variables Multi-Step Word Problems Solving Equations & Inequalities
Data Analysis includes: Interpreting Bar Graphs Interpreting Histograms Interpreting Line Graphs
Geometry includes: 2 and 3-Dimensional Shapes Geometric Transformations Geometry of Circles Pythagorean Theorem The Coordinate Plane
Measurements include: Area, Perimeter & Volume Length/Width Problems Time/Money Problems Working with Angles Number concepts that include: Basic Computation Decimals Fractions Order of Operations Percent Place Value Properties of Operations Whole Numbers Word Problems
Number conversions that include: Decimal/Fraction/Percent
Statistics and probability that includes: Basic Probability Compound Events Mean, Median & Mode

The verbal section is broken into two parts, a synonym section and an analogies section. These sections test vocabulary, relationships between words, and subtle differences in word meanings.

The fourth-grade reading section contains 6 or 7 short, grade-level passages, each followed by 4 to 6 multiple-choice questions. These passages may vary from non-fiction to fiction and poetry and can include biographies, news articles, essays, and short stories. Students will show understanding of key ideas and details to pinpoint the text’s main point. They will find and interpret information both objectively and abstractly. Furthermore, the student will determine the contextual meanings of words and phrases, recognizing literal and figurative language

Students follow one picture prompt in order to create a short story. The story is not scored, but a copy of it will be sent to the school along with your child’s SSAT report and will be used to assess the writing level.
This is an opportunity for students to show creativity and sequential writing. They will look at a picture and then tell a story about what they see. Stories must include a beginning, middle and end.

The experimental section does not appear any differently than other sections, but it is not graded and is not sent to schools. It is an opportunity for SSAT writers to test new content and may include content from any of the three sections (verbal, quantitative, or reading).

what is in ssat upper level?

The format of the upper level SSAT is more or less the same as middle level but in a higher level. The exam duration and the report cards are also the same. The breakdown of the math section is as follows.

best sat preparation service in Vancouver

The topics covered in SSAT upper level are the same as middle level but subcategories are wider and different as follows:

The Pre-Algebra is divided into the following sections:

Applying Place Value Concepts, Applying Time/Money Concepts
Computation with Whole Numbers, Computational Clue Problems
Interpret & Solve with Division, Multiples in Word Problems
Operations with Decimals, Operations with Fractions
Operations with Negatives, Radius and Circumference
Reading Charts/Bar Graphs, Reading Charts/Histograms
Reading Charts/Line Graphs, Reading Charts/Line Plots
Rules of Divisibility, Sequences, Patterns & Logic
Unit Analysis, Word Problems with Computation

The Algebra is divided into the following sections:

Classic Problem Solving, Common Factor
Equations Based on Illustrations, Equations Based on Word Problems
Exponential Expressions, Factoring
Functions, Inequalities
Interpreting Variables, Linear Equations
Polynomial Expressions, Quadratic Equations
Radical Expressions, Ratio & Proportions
Rational Expressions, Scientific Notation
Slope

The computation is divided into the following sections:

Estimation
Fractions, Decimals & Percents

The Geometry is divided into the following sections:

Coordinate
Perimeter, Area & Volume
Problems Using Shapes & Angles
Pythagorean Theorem
Transformations

Number Sense is divided into:

Basic Number Theory
Computation / Order of Operations

Statistics and probability are divided into the following sections:

Counting
Mean, Median & Mode
Probability
Set Theory

SSAT SCORING SYSTEM

On the SSAT score reports, students receive scaled scores for Quantitative, Verbal, and Reading sections. The total score adds together these three sections, but the range depends on the level one is taking (Elementary, Middle, and Upper).

Because the SSAT prevails as a leading assessment test worldwide, its scores must be equated so that future scores can be compared. Therefore the format is not simply to add points or lose points for correct or incorrect/missed answers. Instead, scores are scaled so that they can be compared across the years.

On the candidate’s SSAT report, they will receive a percentile rank for each section. This is calculated by comparing their scores to those of previous test takers in the same age/gender from US and Canada. Not only can a student see where they stand in the percentiles, but they can also find an accurate prediction of how your scores might be if you took the test again.

Many private schools like Collingwood and Mulgrave in Greater Vancouver and worldwide use the percentiles to compare you to other applicants and to decide if you would be successful in their programs, based on how well previous applicants with similar scores faired. School grades will also be taken into account, so it is important to show diligence both in the SSAT and in regular school work. Schools can also speak with teachers to determine what kind of student you are and base their decision on a combination of these factors.

report card for SSAT with Hack your course online & in-home SSAT tutoring service in West Vancouver & North Vancouver
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A “Good” Score:

While most schools won’t explicitly state what range they are looking for, they will probably have a statement about why they cannot accept low range students, since this is a possible indicator of future difficulties.

It is important to note that even if a student is answering seemingly half of the questions wrong, countless other test takers are facing the same challenge. The SSAT’s scaled design accounts for this. That being said, if someone is facing an unusually low score, like 1650/2400, they can expect acceptance into the school of their choice to be difficult. 50% or higher is considered a valuable score.

Some students will decide to retake the test upon reviewing their score. However, SSAT scores are unlikely to change unless the student puts in a great deal of effort, seeks out a tutor, or makes a major change in the way they are studying. The test is designed to give comparable results for students of a similar level, thus there is slim chance of “getting lucky”. It is better to be willing to work hard and seek help with a qualified tutor.

HOW CAN HACK YOUR COURSE HELP?!

With more and more independent schools expecting students to perform over and above on their SSAT, parents are turning to Hack Your Course for our expertise in this field. Hack your course and it’s SSAT tutors have helped lower, middle, and upper-level students to outperform their global counterparts, and we continue to put Vancouver, Toronto and Seattle students on the map. Not only can we guarantee our students to reach higher percentiles, we can also help them grow the knowledge base necessary to become leaders in their new school and in all their future endeavors. Our secret is simple: effective tutoring, personal and practical study, and consistent assessment and adjustment. Hack Your Course Tutoring Service offer premium in-home & online, one-on-one tutoring service for students in The USA & Canada.

Hack Your Course enforces rigorous standards for SSAT preparation and that is why it has very limited space for standardized tests.

ssat middle and upper level tutoring

WHERE TO FIND US

Vancouver Office
2030 Marine Drive,
North Vancouver, BC, V7P 1V7, Canada
Email: info@ibaptutoring.com

Seattle Office
5608 17th Avenue NW, Suite 1578
Seattle, WA 98107, USA
Email: info@ibaptutoring.com

Toronto Office
99 Yorkville Avenue
Toronto, ON M5R 1C1, Canada
Email: info@ibaptutoring.com