8 Tips to Help You Prepare For the SSAT

While there will always be similarities in how you study for any test. However, there are some tests that require a specific kind of preparation. Like the SSAT, needs more than just knowledge of concepts on the list of topics. Testing under certain conditions can be very stressful. So learning test taking strategies during your SSAT preparation just as helpful as learning the content itself here are 8 tips on how to study for and ace the SSAT.

1. Familiarize yourself with the SSAT layout and topics you need to prep 

While you obviously won't know ahead what questions will be on the actual SSAT, you can get an idea of the type of questions that are usually asked and the format of the test by looking at a sample SSAT test or SSAT questions asked in previous years you can get online and easily find them both on the net.

2. Start studying ahead 

SSAT preparation is a marathon not a sprint. The longer you study, the less stressed you will be when it's time to take the actual test. Plan your SSAT prep courses so you have several months studying and are not overwhelmed at the last minute. The less prepared you are, the more overwhelmed you are likely to feel at test time, which definitely can’t ensure the desired SSAT results.

3. Practice with a SSAT Full Length Test 

There is a number of ways to take SSAT practice tests as a part of your SSAT test prep. You can take a single section practice test, one at a time, or you can take entire SSAT mock test under actual test conditions. For the best results, you will want to do a combination of individual section tests and full length SSAT practice tests.

4. Prepare a study schedule and stick to it 

Taking a practice test will help you assess your strengths and weaknesses are and the skills that require more attention. While, you’ll want to concentrate the most on your weaknesses, even your strengths will need a bit of attention. Creating a study schedule can help you balance your strong and weak areas and keep you on track. Plan on setting aside a few hours each week for SSAT prep and segregate the time appropriately between your stronger and weaker subjects.

5. Hire or consult an SSAT expert tutor 

If you are doing well on a certain SSAT section but struggling with another, then. SSAT tutoring is a great option to do well on all the SSAT sections. You can either hire a private tutor or search for online tutoring services.

6. Use online resources 

There are a lot many SSAT prep online resources, ranging from SSAT practice tests to online forums to even online tutoring that you can pick from. You can even find information online about where to take practice tests under actual testing conditions. 

7. Brush up on your SSAT test taking skills 

No matter how much you prep, some students freeze up during the actual test. There are, however, a number of strategies that can help students perform better under stress. This is why taking SSAT practice tests is so important. There’s every possibility of knowing your content well, but are unable to remember during the test. Hence, it’s important to develop some strategies to perform better under testing conditions.

8. Slow down a week before the test 

If you have created a study plan, taken some practice tests and gotten help in your areas of weakness, then you want to give yourself a short break right before the test. If you have spent several months preparing, then you should be in good shape by this time to just rest, relax and get mentally prepared for the test. 

With all these tips, it’s also imperatives to know that you can take the SSAT on all standards 8 Saturdays...so there’s no need to stress. You can have another chance to get to your dream school!