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Prep with the Best

SSAT Prep & Tutoring in Denver & Boulder

After opening our doors in 2006, Mindfish quickly became the top-choice for SSAT prep in the nearby Boulder and Denver area. As with other standardized tests, the key to excelling on the SSAT rests with mastering the content, hard work, and test-taking strategies. Mindfish can maximize SSAT scores in the most efficient amount of time through a data-driven and personalized approach. Buttressed by our experienced SSAT tutors, Mindfish diligently works with each student to increase the academic knowledge and test-taking skills necessary to achieve success.

Our SSAT programs include one-on-one tutoring, small group instruction, and online tutoring. Everything about Mindfish’s SSAT tutoring and test prep program is customized and flexible: scheduling, content, and tutor. This allows our tutors to make the most of each session by identifying weaknesses and areas in need of improvement and fostering study habits that will push your student’s SSAT score higher.

What is the SSAT?

The Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT) is a standardized test that students in grades 4 through 12 must take when applying to elite private and independent schools. This timed, multiple-choice standardized test assesses quantitativeverbal, and reading skills. These skills will determine your child’s preparedness to study at some of the most competitive independent schools in the world.

The SSAT gets administered on three levels:

  • Elementary – for students currently in grades 3-4 (applying to grades 4-5)
  • Middle – for students currently in grades 5-7 (applying to grades 6-8)
  • Upper – for students currently in grades 8-11 (applying to grades 9-12)

The test is offered once each month from October through April, so students should begin preparing in the summer or by the latest in the fall. While your SSAT score is not the only criterion used in admission decisions, the SSAT results are still a crucial component of your application to an independent school.

What Material Appears on the SSAT?

The SSAT is not an achievement test, and it does not measure personal characteristics such as honesty, motivation, persistence, or creativity. The SSAT is a multiple-choice test that includes scored verbal (vocabulary), math, and reading comprehension sections, as well as an unscored writing sample. The breakdown of the SSAT include:

  • Writing Section – No score is given but a copy gets sent to schools on your application list.
  • Quantitative Section – This section assesses a mixture of concepts from your grade’s math curriculum as well as more advanced concepts.
  • Verbal Section – This section gets divided into two sections focusing on Synonyms and Analogies.
  • Reading Section – This section consists of grade-level-appropriate passages, each with associated multiple-choice questions that may include biographies, prose, poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.
  • Experimental Section – This unscored section contains mixed content questions.

How is the SSAT scored?

When you receive your SSAT report, you will see several different numbers reported back to you: scaled scoressub-scorespercentiles, and raw scores.

What is an SSAT Raw Score?

A raw score gets calculated by awarding 1 point for each correct answer, subtracting one-fourth of a point for each incorrect answer. The raw score then converts into a scaled score by a formula that the test writers do not make public.

What is an SSAT Scaled Score?

A scaled score for each of the SSAT sections gets reported in the following ranges:

  • For the Middle-Level test, the range is 1320-2130.
  • For the Upper-Level test, the range is 1500-2400.

What is an SSAT Sub-score?

For three of the SSAT’s subsections (Verbal, Reading, and Math), Middle-Level test-takers will receive a scaled score from 440-710, and Upper-Level test-takers will receive a scaled score from 500 to 800. The scaled score is based on a raw score, calculated by the number of correct and incorrect answers.

How are Percentiles Calculated on the SSAT?

You provide a comparison to other students of the same grade and gender who have taken the SSAT in the past three years. The percentile number is the percentage of students who scored lower than your score. You will receive a percentile rank in each of three sections and for the total scale score.

Students in Boulder & Denver Turn to Mindfish for Higher SSAT Scores

With views of the Rocky Mountains, the open landscapes, hiking, and ski trails make it suitable for locals and tourists all year round. During the summer months, Colorado residents and visitors travel from all over to take part in the Colfax Art Fest and Denver PrideFest at the Levitt Pavilion. With attractions for every season, families with college-bound students are big fans of the University of Colorado in the nearby Boulder area. Many recent college grads have been flocking to this tech-driven community over the last few years. As high school students in the Denver Public Schools prepare for college applications, taking the SSAT stands as the first step to getting into the top independent school of their dreams.

With countless bike paths to explore the city and landscape regions, Boulder offers the best of both worlds when it comes to blending city elements and nature. When visiting Boulder, local attractions include the Boulder Theater, the famous Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, and tours at the Celestial Seasonings company. For jam-packed days filled with outdoor adventures at any time of year, Boulder encompasses a young and vibrant community exemplified through the arts and outdoor concert series. With a growing public school district and the University of Colorado in proximity, college-ready Boulder and Denver students are identifying different career paths and business opportunities in this populous mountainous region.

Claim Your Top SSAT Score with Mindfish

Mindfish students deserve the best, which is exactly why we only hire those who have scored in the 98th percentile on standardized tests. Our team of friendly, can-do SSAT tutors will mentor and inspire your student to become a laser-focused and confident test-taker. The Mindfish team is ready to help your student ace the SSAT and gain admission to your top private school choice.

 Dial (720) 204-1041 to start your customized SSAT curriculum today.