You’ve done it! You’ve made it through 5 sections, 150 questions, one essay, and over 2 and a half hours of testing. You may be ready to go home and take a well-deserved nap (or run around after sitting for so long) but before you breathe a deep sigh of relief, there’s one final section.
The experimental section is the shortest section of the test: only 15 minutes and 16 questions total. Unlike the other SSAT sections, the experimental section has a mix of question types: six verbal, five reading, and five quantitative. While you want to answer every question and try your hardest, don’t let the experimental section stress or overwhelm you: it is neither scored nor sent to schools.
So, if it’s not scored, why does this section exist? Writing a test like the SSAT can be difficult, and test writers use this last section to try out new questions. Test writers will evaluate the results of each question to determine if it is appropriate and reliable and ultimately if it will appear on the test in future years. Once you’ve finished those last 15 minutes, you can be proud of both conquering a long and difficult test and playing a role in shaping the test for years to come.
Even with the most talented and dedicated students, there are still plenty of ways to get rejected from your dream school. Here are some of the reasons that we see students getting rejected.
Cardigan Mountain School is one of many schools across the country that uses Test Innovators to help their students prepare for their next step. They recently shared the story of why they chose Test Innovators as the best partner to help their students achieve success on the SSAT.
The admissions process for independent schools is complex—there is a lot of information to take in, and deadlines arrive quicker than you know it! Check out these expert tips as you kick off the search for your dream school.
Eastside Catholic is known for its strong community--many students view EC as their home away from home. The school offers grade-level retreats and a school-wide Mentor Program, award winning performing arts and athletic programs, and more than 30 AP, honors and collegiate level courses in the high school. With administrative...
Why are practice tests such a critical piece of preparation?
The American Psychological Association defines the testing effect as the psychological finding that retention is better when taking a test compared to restudying the same material. The testing effect, also called retrieval practice, indicates that practice tests are a more effective...
Congratulations to Ella, one of our Independent School Tuition Scholars for 2023! Ella was able to increase her SSAT score by 29 percentile points, putting her in the 53rd percentile overall.
The SSAT is a very competitive test, and having a preparation plan is key to achieving the best scores that you are capable of. Here's our favorite strategy:
Over the last couple decades, the United States has placed increasing emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. In recent years, some programs have added Art (STEAM), generally placing a greater focus on creativity and design thinking.
