Taking a preparation course can relieve a student's anxieties and allow practice before the real exam.
The Secondary School Admission Test is given to children to measure their ability in academic areas of study. In some schools taking the test is a mandatory requirement for students entering middle or high school. Other than the level and range of test questions, the test format is similar to the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for college. SSAT preparation courses help prepare students for the exam.
About The SSAT
School systems do not have standardized programs and, student's abilities might not always be reflected in their grades. The SSAT was created to give schools a uniform measure of students' aptitudes. Test questions are nationally standardized and have been tailored to be effective measurements of a child's ability levels regardless of ethnic or socioeconomic factors. The test covers math, reading comprehension, verbal reasoning and essay.
Preparation Courses
Most courses are set up in 13 two-hour sessions. They cover the skill sets necessary to raise the student's standard achievement in all test categories. There are two test level groupings, lower level, which is for kindergarten through 7th grade and upper level for the 8th through 11th grades. Courses also include instruction on test taking skills. One practice test is given at the end of the course to allow students first-hand experience of taking the actual test. Some programs also give a test before the course begins to determine the student's present aptitude, strengths and weaknesses. Courses are available online and in normal class structure through community organizations.
Online or Community Course Choices
Online courses have the benefit of having more flexible time lines and may be more convenient for some households with limited scheduling ability. They are often cheaper than the offline courses. Online courses may not always follow actual test formats, and caution should be taken when registering for courses online; ensure that the program is given by a credible company. Programs that are given in traditional classroom settings generally cost more and require stricter schedule adherence, but they also have the benefit of live instructors who can offer one to one help when students encounter difficulties.
Other Options
There are sample tests available online that students can take that allow parents to judge whether a full preparation course is necessary. Preparation course books are available for students that can learn easily by reading. Tutors trained in test preparation are available in most communities and can be hired for a student who needs one on one help. School staff can help parents find resources for children that need only minimal help to achieve optimum test scores.
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