SSAT Flashcards

Definition

Each SSAT section (Verbal, Quantitative I, Quantitative II, Reading) is scored on a 440–710 scale. Scores are normed against students in the same grade who took the test in the past 3 years — a challenging comparison group.

Definition

Tests synonyms (25 questions) and analogies (16 questions). SSAT analogies use the A:B::C:? format. Vocabulary breadth and Latin/Greek root knowledge are the strongest predictors of Verbal scores.

Definition

40 questions on 6–7 passages: fiction, literary nonfiction, poetry, argumentative essays, and science writing. The SSAT is one of the only admissions tests to include poetry — a skill that requires separate practice.

Definition

Unlike the ISEE, the SSAT deducts 1/4 point for each wrong answer. Omit questions when you have no idea — but always guess when you can eliminate at least one choice.

Definition

SSAT scores are compared to other SSAT test-takers, not to the general student population. This means the norm group is already academically strong — a 75th percentile SSAT score is more impressive than it appears.