UCAN Tutoring Center / SSAT / SAT Preparation

SSAT / SAT Preparation

Systematic standardized test training system, from vocabulary accumulation to past paper practice, comprehensively improving scores.

SAT SSAT

SSAT

What is SSAT?

The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) is a standardized entrance exam used by many private middle and high schools in Canada and the United States. It primarily assesses students' English reading ability, vocabulary logic, and mathematical foundation, serving as a key benchmark for evaluating academic potential.

Exam Levels

Elementary Level

Grades 3 – 4

For lower elementary students, assessing foundational academic skills.

Middle Level

Grades 5 – 7

For upper elementary and middle school students, crucial for private middle school applications.

Upper Level

Grades 8 – 11

For students applying to private high schools, testing comprehensive academic literacy.

Exam Content

Reading Comprehension

Tests understanding, analysis, and inference skills across various text genres.

Vocabulary

Includes Synonyms and Analogies, testing vocabulary breadth and logical thinking.

Mathematics

Tests fundamental math concepts, calculation skills, and logical application.

Writing Sample

Not scored, but sent to schools as a reference for writing ability.

Schedule

Multiple test opportunities are offered annually from October to April/May. Students can choose dates flexibly based on their application timeline.

Scoring

For Middle and Upper Levels, scores range from 500–2400. Results are also presented as percentiles to help schools evaluate academic ability and potential.

SAT

What is SAT?

The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized test administered by the College Board and is one of the most important standardized tests in the U.S. college admission process. SAT scores are a critical reference for high school students worldwide applying to universities in the United States, Canada, and other countries for admission and scholarships.

Test Structure

Reading and Writing

64 minutes 200-800

Includes reading comprehension and grammar questions, testing understanding of passages from literature, history, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Math

70 minutes 200-800

Covers algebra, problem-solving and data analysis, advanced math fundamentals, and geometry & trigonometry.

SAT Content Breakdown

Reading and Writing

64 minutes | 54 questions | 200-800 points

Reading

Literary passages, history/social studies, and science passage analysis

Writing and Language

Standard English conventions, sentence structure, punctuation, and rhetorical skills

Math

70 minutes | 44 questions | 200-800 points

Algebra

Linear equations and inequalities, linear functions and graphs

Problem Solving and Data Analysis

Ratios, percentages, unit conversion, statistical chart analysis

Advanced Math

Quadratic functions, exponential functions, polynomial operations, complex numbers

Geometry and Trigonometry

Plane geometry, solid geometry, basic trigonometric functions

Test Format

Starting in 2024, the SAT has fully transitioned to a digital format (Digital SAT). The test duration is approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes. It uses an adaptive testing system that adjusts the difficulty of the second module based on performance in the first module. An online calculator provided by College Board is available during the test.

Scoring

The SAT total score ranges from 400 to 1600, comprised of Reading and Writing (200-800) and Math (200-800). Most U.S. Top 50 universities have average SAT scores between 1400-1550.

Test Dates

International tests are offered multiple times per year (typically in March, May, June, August, October, November, and December). Students are advised to begin taking the test in 11th grade and plan for 2-3 test attempts based on their application timeline.

Importance

SAT scores are a crucial criterion for applying to most universities in the United States and Canada. Excellent SAT scores not only enhance admission chances but are also key to earning scholarships. While many schools have adopted "Test-Optional" policies, submitting strong SAT scores can still significantly strengthen application competitiveness.

WeChat QR Code

Add WeChat