The SSAT is preferred by most independent schools outside New York City. Similarly to the ISEE, the test used by most private schools in the city, the SSAT contains above-grade-level questions. The SSAT contains many of the characteristics of the SAT, including one of its oldest most infamous sections: the analogies. The analogies require a knack for concretely defining words and using our very precise methods to cope with unknown vocab.
We prep students one-on-one for the SSAT. Students work directly from our SSAT binder and practice tests. Our expert instructors cover all the material on the test, its special types of questions and vocab, vocab, vocab!
Test date(s): Varies
Format(s): Paper, Computer-based (Middle and Upper only)
The SSAT assesses grade-level proficiency in:
Our approach develops both test mastery and deeper understanding through:
We improve reading and math skills and hone writing skills without turning students into unthinking robots. We do not “teach to the test”; we simply teach.
All ibid SSAT prep is done one-on-one or in small custom groups. Private tutoring offers personal attention, custom preparation strategies and flexible scheduling.
How does the SSAT differ by grade level?
Elementary level: Grade levels 3-4
Middle level: Grade levels 5-7
Total time: 3 hours, 10 minutes
Upper level: Grade levels 8-11
Total time: 3 hours, 10 minutes
How often should my child take practice tests?
We recommend full-length practice tests every 2-3 weeks to start and then once a week right before the exam. Targeted practice between tests is also vital.
Is there a penalty for guessing on the SSAT?
For the elementary level, there's no penalty for guessing. It's advisable to answer every question since there's no score deduction for wrong answers.
For the middle and upper levels, there is a ¼ point penalty for each wrong answer. The penalty is designed to remove any benefits of guessing. By conventional wisdom, a student guessing will neither benefit from nor be harmed by guessing. ibid has ways to improve those odds! :)
Should I take the ISEE or the SSAT?
The school your student is applying to will specify the test to take. Generally, NYC schools require good performance on the ISEE, while schools outside the city look to the SSAT.
When should my child start preparing?
The SSAT is offered throughout the year with multiple testing dates available at various testing centers; students can typically take the test up to six times per year on standard paper-based test dates, and can also take one "Flex Test" per year for additional testing options outside of the standard schedule. The testing year runs from August 1st to July 31st.
The best time to start preparing is determined by the admissions timeline of the school(s) your child is targeting, your goals and where your students falls relative to those goals. ibid offer free, full diagnostic SSATs to help you establish a baseline and help us create a plan.
Stuart Servetar is the kindest and most astute of educators. He has an unparalleled ability to pinpoint a child's testing deficits and deploy a tutor and prep plan tailored to that child. Both our kids spent time with ibid tutors and had fantastic experiences. They're the best of the best.
S. Kaplan
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• Qualified instructor with solid academic background
• Fully trained in proven test prep strategies
• Expert guidance for score improvement
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We recommend 1-hour sessions for 4th-7th graders (except Hunter test), and 1.5-hour sessions for the Hunter, SHSAT, ACT, SAT, and beyond.
| Hours | Remote | In-Person |
|---|---|---|
| 3h | | |
| 6h | | |
| 9h | | |
| 12h | | |
with our founder, Stuart Servetar.
