What is an entrance test?
Most independent and private schools in Ontario require an entrance test. Exams vary and test results are weighted differently. Standardized tests supposedly measure a student’s verbal and math ability. They are also supposed to predict how a student will perform in school. In our experience, the entrance exams are to some extent a measure of how well students take the test.
What is the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT*)?
The SSAT* is used by many private schools as part of the admission process. It is a test that assesses the academic abilities of the students. The student's math and language skills are evaluated. To register for the test please call (609) 683-4440 or visit www.ssat.org/ontario.
Do all Ontario private schools require the SSAT* entrance examination?
There are many private schools in Ontario that utilize the SSAT* for admission purposes. Other private schools administer their own test. PREPSKILLS® can help your child prepare and benefit from the knowledge and strategies acquired to write any test. Ontario Consortium schools use the SSAT* as a component of their admission and/or scholarship process. For a complete list of schools, please refer to our SSAT* Information page on our website. Parents should confer with the schools of their choice to discuss the importance and interpretation given to score results.
What is the format of the SSAT*?
There are two levels of the SSAT*. The Lower Level is for students in grades 5 through 7 while the Upper Level applies to students in grades 8 through 11. Children are not expected to answer all questions, but to answer to the best of their abilities. Some subject matter may not have yet been covered at their particular grade level. Please refer to the SSAT* Information page on our web site for further information about the test or visit www.ssat.org/ontario.
How is the SSAT* scored?
RAW Score
- Score is broken down into 3 categories: reading, verbal and math
- One point is given for each correct answer, 1/4 point subtracted for each incorrect answer
- No points are added or subtracted for questions omitted
- Essay is not scored, but sent directly to the private school's admission department
SCALED Score
- Raw score is converted to a scaled score
- Lower Level Range (Grades 5 – 7 ) : 440-710 for Verbal/Math/Reading (1320-2130 Total)
- Upper Level Range (Grades 8 – 11): 500-800 for Verbal/Math/Reading (1500-2400 Total)
PERCENTILE Score
- SSAT percentile is a score between 1 and 99
- Compares student performance on test to other students of the same grade and gender who have taken the SSAT* within the past 3 years
When can the SSAT* be written?
The SSAT* is administered at various private schools throughout the GTA, beginning in September through to April. Please visit www.ssat.org/ontario for more test date information or call the school of your choice. Should you wish, tests are also administered at independent test centres in Toronto. Visit our SSAT* Information page on our web site for information on test-taking options at independent test centres.
How many times can the SSAT* be written
A student may apply to write the entrance test at any of the participating Ontario Consortium school locations on any ONE date per academic year.
What if my child is writing an admission test other than the SSAT*?
PREPSKILLS® is renowned for its outstanding ability to inspire children to reach their full potential. There are fundamental skills and facts that students need to master in order to do well on standardized tests. The basic areas covered on most standardized tests are reading comprehension, math, vocabulary and essay writing. PREPSKILLS® teaches test-taking strategies and skills that will benefit students writing any admission test. The PREPSKILLS® team is well-versed with many entrance examinations offered throughout the GTA.
