How to Retake the SSAT Like a Pro

Retaking the SSAT can seem like a real pain. You’ve already taken the three-hour test once—is it really worth it to give up a Saturday morning and countless nights studying just to take the same test again?

The truth is, the majority of students see higher overall scores by  taking the test more than once. Some claim this is because of “SSAT wisdom” —you now have prior knowledge of the test and are likely to do better your second time through. Don’t doubt your capacity for significant score improvement!

Evaluate Yourself

The first step in gaining “SSAT wisdom” is a critical self-evaluation after you’ve finished taking the test. Were there types of questions you didn’t recognize? Did you run out of time during any sections? Were certain sections harder than others? Did you score significantly better on some sections than others? Was it difficult to maintain focus throughout the test? Did you get hungry, bored, or find your mind wandering? Reflecting on your testing experience and identifying your strengths and weaknesses is crucial to improving your performance the next time you take the test.

Take Practice Tests

But what happens when you can’t clearly recall your testing experience? Perhaps, test day came and passed in a blur. You took it, and you saw your scores, but you have no clue which questions you answered right or wrong, or how you ended up ranking in the 43rd percentile (or 17th, 32nd, or 71st). What you do know is that you can do better. This is where SSAT practice tests come in. Taking highly accurate full-length practice tests will help you determine  which types of questions you’re struggling with and where you are making consistent mistakes.

Through practice tests and self-reflection, you will be able to determine your specific strengths and weaknesses and narrow in on a few specific areas of improvement. These focus areas could be anything from overall test-taking strategies, such as time management or an improved method of answer elimination, to growing more comfortable with advanced math concepts or vocabulary words. Honing in on one strategy or one section at a time will help you simplify your preparation process.  

Consider Tutoring

If you’re not sure about which areas to focus on, tutoring can be extremely helpful. If you think tutoring might be a beneficial tool, schedule a free diagnostic tutoring consultation with one of our Test Innovators’ experts. During the consultation, a tutor will take a look at your initial test results and craft for you to best prepare for your next test. Beyond this initial consultation, you can work regularly with a tutor to practice strategies for success.

Once you’ve determined your plan for improvement, either with a tutor or on your own, it’s time to put these strategies to work with practice questions and tests. Since you’ve already taken the real test once, you now have the added bonus of knowing exactly what to expect on test day. Simulate this test-taking environment while practicing. Don’t take more breaks than you’re given on the official test, and work to build your endurance–having a clear head and precision focus for such a long time is one of the most challenging things about test day!

Take Care of Yourself

On the day before your retake, remember to prepare yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally. Get a good night’s sleep the night before your test, eat a nutritious  breakfast to help make sure you don’t lose steam, don’t cram or stress study, and more than anything else, have a positive attitude! Visualize success and you will achieve it.

Note: Check out our 5 Tips for Exam Day here!

Remember: schools don’t have to know how many times you’ve taken the test. You can choose to send your best scores, all your scores, or even no scores, if you decide you would rather apply again next year–all the power is in your hands.

Start preparing for the SSAT today!