SSAT vs SAT Tests: Which One is For You!
Gone are the days when academic success was about clearing classes. Nowadays, students have a lot of standardized tests to take, in order to change their lives for the better. The world is becoming more and more competitive. But the silver lining is, now, you have more chances than ever and ways to break the shackle of mediocrity. One such pathway to better lives is – Standardised Tests!
When discussing standardized testing, two exams often come to mind – the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) and the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test). While both tests share similarities, they each serve distinct functions and cater to various stages of education. Here is where this blog post comes in – to explore their distinctions so that you may gain a fuller understanding of both their unique features and significance.
Also, read – ISEE vs SSAT
Purpose and Target Audience
The SSAT is intended for students in grades 3-11 who are seeking admission into private or independent schools. It primarily assesses verbal, math, reading, and optional writing skills. Unlike the SAT, this examination can be undertaken by students multiple times in the year. It is offered to graders in – elementary, middle, and upper levels. It is administered by Enrolment Management Association, popularly known as EMA
On the other hand, the SAT serves primarily as a college admissions exam in junior/senior year high schools primarily targeting writing/language skills, and math knowledge as well as an optional essay section. College Board does the administration. The SAT is one of the most popular tests. Every college and university in the United States accepts its score to give admissions to students. Earlier it was known as Scholastic Aptitude Test
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Content and Structure
The SSAT test comprises multiple-choice questions and a writing sample, divided into sections on verbal reasoning, quantitative (math) reasoning, and reading comprehension. There are three levels for taking this exam: Elementary (grades 3-4), Middle (grades 5-7), and Upper (grades 8-11). The subsection includes – Quantitative, Verbal, Writing, and Experimental assessment. In the verbal section, the focus is on reading and analogy passages. This exam is limited to students in the United States and Canada only.
Apart from the difficulty level, the time allotment is different for different levels. For instance, students in the upper and middle levels are provided with 3 hours and 10 minutes (break) for the examination while the students in the elementary level are provided with 2 hours as test time excluding a break of 5 minutes in between.
By contrast, SAT exams offer evidence-based reading and writing sections, and math sections with scores from 400-1600. It consists of an assessment of the verbal, mathematical, and writing capabilities of students. There are total 4 sections: 2 for reading, and writing and the other two for math. In Math – there are two subsections, students are allowed to make use of a calculator in one, not in the other. There would be 154 questions in total. In recent changes, the board has discontinued the requirement of writing an essay. The test duration is 3.15 hours. This includes 15 minute break in between. Also, there is provision of taking essay test optionally and if an individual takes the essay test, the exam duration extends to 4 hours 5 minutes, with 15 minutes break (it is 3 hours 50 minutes excluding break)
The SAT is obviously more difficult as compared to the SSAT since they are taken by students looking to get into colleges.
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Score Usage
SSAT scores are used by private or independent schools during their admissions processes to assess the academic abilities and potential of incoming students. They have no bearing on college selection. Though, a good hold on the subjects assessed in SSAT can definitely put you in a better position for SAT as well.
Colleges and universities use SAT scores as part of their admissions decision process, using these and other application components as measures of readiness for college-level work. Most students who are in the 11th and 12th standards sit to take this exam. Also, a good score can be used to grab a scholarship as well. Unlike the former, it is more of an achievement test while the former is an assessment of specific skills.
If you are ambitious and want more from life, you should take these exams very seriously. These are gateways to better lives. Not only will they help you get into the institutions of your choice but they will take you one (a major one) step toward the life of your dream. So, start early in your preparations as they say it’s the early bird that gets the worm!