More on The SSAT Practice Test

The SSAT test has components that test the child's quantitative, verbal and reading comprehension skills. The questions in the verbal section test for reasoning and how well a child can relate similar ideas. The math or quantitative section is more about problem solving and depending on the child's grade level will include the following basic arithmetic, elementary algebra and the very basic concepts of geometry. The reading portion is mostly interested in knowing how well the student grasps what they read.

The SSAT practice test is printed only in the English language and this means that any foreign nationals will have to have a good command of the English language to take the test. There is one additional component that is also very important though it is not graded. This is the essay portion of the test. This tests the students' ability to express himself, concepts and ideas with the written word. A copy of this is sent along with the test scores to the school that the child is hoping to attend.

The SSAT is not given to children below the 5th grade. There are two levels one for grades 5 to 7 and another one for grades 8-11. The reasons for taking the test are not only to get into the private and independent schools but the test is a precursor of the SAT test that is used to determine a student's scholastic achievement. These test scores determine what colleges will most likely accept them as a student. The higher these scores are the better the post secondary choices are.

The SSAT was instituted in the 1950's, because the schools across the country had different academic standards and programs. There was a need for some sort of standardized testing to make sure that all students were learning what would serve them best at an institution of higher learning.