Students should generally plan on taking the SSAT two or three times. Most see a score increase during their second attempt, as familiarity with the format and pacing reduces test-day stress. Because scores on the test can fluctuate, a second or third sitting ensures the results accurately reflect a student’s academic potential. Beyond a third test, performance often plateaus and overtesting can lead to burnout. It is more effective to aim for two or three well-prepared attempts at the SSAT than to push through a taxing schedule of multiple dates.
Most independent schools have an application deadline in mid-January. It makes the most sense to plan for a final retest in December or very early January at the latest. With that in mind, many students will plan to take the test in November and December. Some students may feel prepared and ready to attempt a first test in October. It is important to schedule test dates with a window of time in between to review score results and determine if additional preparation is needed.
It is important to keep in mind that there are several different SSAT testing methods. Students may take the test in a paper and pencil format hosted at school test sites on standard national test dates. Alternatively, students can take a digital format of the test on dates that vary through prometric centers or at-home using online proctoring. There is also the option of taking the paper test on a flex test date as an alternative to the standard test dates. To learn more about flex testing, you can review our blog post here.
To determine when to get started and what testing plan will work best for you, the best first step is to take a full practice test to have a baseline score. We are happy to schedule a practice test for you, followed by an in-depth director analysis, to help you choose which test dates to target.
Compass specializes in personalized test preparation, so you can be assured of an SSAT tutoring program custom-fit to your needs. Rather than offering the same fixed program to everyone, we take the time to evaluate your test-taking tendencies, then make personalized recommendations. Your school goals, your learning style, your schedule, even your outside interests—we take all of it and more into account when tailoring your program of study and matching you with the ideal instructors.
