SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test)

The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) is the main entrance exam for private high schools. The SSAT tests academic skills using four different testing sections: Writing Skills, Quantitative Skills, Reading Comprehension Skills, and Verbal Skills. If students plan to apply to top private institutions such as Philips Academy, Choate Rosemary Hall, and the Hotchkiss School, they should aim for a high percentile score (approximately 90% or better) to gain admittance. 

The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) consists of two parts: a brief essay, and a multiple-choice aptitude test which measures mathematics problem-solving ability, proper language use, and reading comprehension. The test is administered on two levels: Lower (for students currently in grades 5-7) and Upper (for students currently in grades 8-11). The test is timed and divided into five sections. The Writing Sample (25 minutes) asks the student to support or argue one topic statement, using examples from the student’s academic or personal experience. The Verbal section (30 minutes) asks questions on proper English language. The Reading Comprehension section (40 minutes) tests ability to read quickly and comprehend what the student has read. The Math sections (30 minutes each) measures students’ mathematical problem-solving ability.

(Information provided by www.SSAT.org)

Total Academic Center offers three courses for grades 6-8 in preparation for the SSAT: SSAT Vocabulary, SSAT Math, and SSAT English.

The SSAT English course covers in detail the subject matter that will be presented in the SSAT Verbal, Writing, and Reading Comprehension sections. Students will exercise test-taking strategies to help them answer questions that will be on the SSAT.

The SSAT Math course focuses on the math computation skills emphasized in the SSAT Math sections. Students will gain invaluable practice and advice on preparing for and taking the SSAT.

The SSAT Vocabulary course concentrates on using and understanding vocabulary terms effectively on the SSAT. Classwork and homework will be centered on studying and applying common SSAT words. Cumulative quizzes will help students memorize terms and mentally prepare for the test.

Total Academic Center students mostly finish within the 85-90% percentile range on the SSAT.