The SSAT — The Prep School Entrance Exam

The SSAT is an admissions test for high school and middle school students. Prep schools use the SSAT as part of their admissions process. Students who take the SSAT can be any grade from grades 3 to 11, as long as they are applying to a high school or middle school. For example, if you are in grade 10 and want to apply to grade 11 at a prep school, you would take the SSAT.

The SSAT stands for Secondary School Admissions Test, because you take it when you are applying to secondary school. It covers reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, writing, synonyms and analogies.

The SAT — The University Entrance Exam

The SAT is an admissions test for students in grades 12 who are applying to university. Many students start preparing for the SAT years in advance, so it’s common to see people in grade 9, 10 and 11 studying for this test. The SAT stands for Standard Admissions Test. It covers mathematical reasoning, grammar, and reading comprehension.

The PSAT — The “Pre-SAT”

The PSAT is a test that prepares students for the SAT, like a “pre-SAT”, or a “practice SAT”. Prep schools give the PSAT to students in grades 10 and 11 to prepare them for the SAT, which they would take in grade 12 when they apply to university.

The PSAT stands for Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test. Generally, you would not hand in your PSAT to universities — its main purpose is to serve as an introduction to the SAT. There are also opportunities to win scholarships/awards early on if your PSAT scores are in the top scores of your region.

Tutoring with Lauren

Hi! My name is Lauren and I coach students and families through the admissions process to prep schools and universities. If you’d like to chat, you can text or call me at 438 800 7069. I host one on one sessions at my office in Montreal, and online. You can fill out a new student form here.