When your child is preparing to take the SSAT private school entrance test, you should explore ways to make them feel more confident and help them pass. Typically given to students in middle school and up, this test shouldn’t be a cause for anxiety or stress. Here are a few ways to make the process easier to ensure success.

How to Help Children Get Ready for the SSAT

1. Promote Understanding of the Test

Explain to your child that the test consists of content designed to assess various age levels and they aren’t expected to know everything, especially if they’re in the lower grades of middle school. This will reduce anxiety when facing difficult questions.

2. Provide Support

Go to the SSAT.org site to get an official guide to the SSAT in advance of your child taking the test. Also, remind your child that although the SSAT is important, it is not the only factor that is a part of the admission decision, each school has a different was of assessing test and other factors it will consider. 

3. Simulate the Test 

Purchase SSAT practice and review books, so you and your child have ample time to practice real questions. Since the test is timed, set stopwatches for each section to simulate the testing environment. Get your child acquainted with reading and answering each question without spending too much time in one area.

4. Practice Strategies

Make sure your child is reading the directions carefully as well as the entire question and all answers before selecting a choice. When they know an answer is wrong, have them cross it off to narrow down possibilities. If they skip a question, remind them to also skip that number on the answer sheet. There are no penalties for skipped questions. Afterward, review mistakes and help them figure out where they went wrong.

5. Include Real-World Study

Incorporate skills into everyday life for extra practice. Make sure they are actively reading, which promotes better comprehension and vocabulary skills. Use math when preparing meals, shopping, or playing, and remain positive throughout the process.

As a private Christian school in Honolulu, Hawaii Baptist Academy prepares middle school students for academic success while providing a safe and nurturing Christian environment. Their curriculum encompasses everything students need to thrive in their college years and beyond, with a well-rounded course load of academics, spirituality, and social growth. They also provide an array of after school programs such as choir, seasonal sports, and Robotics Club to suit every child’s interests. Call the private school for their K through 6 programs at (808) 536-6830, or (808) 595-7585 for the middle school and high school. Visit them online for more information on their academic offerings and supplemental programs.